Mel Tucker, the coach at Michigan State, is fired

Mel Tucker was sacked by Michigan State on Wednesday for failing to provide sufficient justification for his dismissal after having consensual phone sex with an activist and rape survivor.

The school terminated Tucker's $95 million, 10-year contract for breaching his contract and moral turpitude and disclosing conduct that shamed the school.

In April 2022, activist and rape survivor Brenda Tracy stated Tucker sexually assaulted her over the phone. Tracy reported the incident to the school's Title IX office months later.

Tucker, 51, received a week to react to Michigan State's Sept. 18 firing notice, which he did on Monday.

Athletic director Alan Haller said Mr. Tucker's statement does not deny or undermine the notice's several grounds for termination for cause. “Instead, his 25-page response, which includes a 12-page attorney letter and a 13-page ‘expert report,’ makes a litany of excuses for his inappropriate behavior while admitting to the concerns in the notice.”

He claims he had consenting phone sex with her.

Michigan State completed its inquiry in July and has a hearing next week.

The school gave Tucker seven days to respond to its notice of termination for misconduct with Tracy, whom it deems a vendor because she was paid to speak with the team.

Tucker signed a 10-year, $95 million contract in November 2021. He may lose $80 million through Jan. 15, 2032 if the school wins.