Mel Tucker Sues Michigan State University for Wrongful Termination

Former Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker has filed a 75-page federal lawsuit against the university, alleging wrongful termination, racial discrimination, and defamation after he was fired amid sexual harassment allegations from activist Brenda Tracy. Tucker claims the university conducted an 'improper, sham investigation' that violated his due process rights and was motivated by a desire to protect its reputation following the Larry Nassar scandal. He seeks unspecified monetary damages and contends that the termination process was biased and designed to destroy his career, asserting that the actions taken against him were racially motivated. The lawsuit names university officials, including interim president Teresa Woodruff and athletic director Alan Haller, and alleges they made false public statements that harmed his reputation. Tucker, who had nearly $80 million remaining on a 10-year, $95 million contract at the time of his firing, has denied the allegations against him and described the investigation as a manipulation of university procedures. Michigan State has not yet commented on the lawsuit as it has not been formally served.