Mel Tucker calls harassment allegations ‘completely false’ as Michigan State details investigative process

Michigan State trainer Mel Tucker answered on Monday to the sexual harassment allegations that ended in his suspension. In the almost-two-page record launched via lawyer Jennifer Z. Belveal, Tucker claims that his encounters with Brenda Tracy — a distinguished activist in opposition to sexual violence — had been “mutual” and “private.” 

“Brenda Tracy’s allegations of harassment are completely false,” Tucker stated. “The proceedings initiated by Ms. Tracy are devoid of any semblance of fairness for any matter of this importance, and the University’s ‘hearing’ scheduled for October 5-6 is so flawed that there is no other opportunity for the truth to come out. That is why I share some truth with you now.” 

According to Tucker, he evolved a friendship with Tracy in summer time 2021 when she gave a presentation at Michigan State. Tucker claims that the friendship “grew into an intimate, adult relationship,” whilst revealing that he and his spouse had been estranged on the time. 

Tucker and Tracy engaged in “dozens of calls” from fall 2021 to wintry weather 2022, a lot of which Tucker claims had been initiated via Tracy past due at night time. Tucker claims Tracy “encouraged our personal relationship” via “inviting and accepting gifts from me.” The items allegedly integrated sneakers, Venmo bills and a contribution to Tracy’s non-profit group Set The Expectation. 

Tucker additionally addressed a specific telephone name in April 2022. Tracy, in her legitimate criticism, claimed that Tucker made sexual feedback about her and masturbated for a number of mins right through the decision. Tucker admits to the dialog, claiming that it was once “an entirely mutual, private event” and that Tracy initiated the dialogue via sending Tucker a provocative image of the 2 in combination. Tracy additionally advised what she would appear to be with out garments and, in line with Tucker, by no means objected right through the 36-minute telephone name. 

Tucker stated that it took Tracy 4 months to whinge concerning the telephone name with the criticism being box most effective after he faced her about “spreading rumors about my marriage.” Tucker additionally denied the truth that he ever canceled any displays involving Tracy.

“The investigation has not been fair or unbiased,” Tucker’s remark reads. “I can only conclude that there is an ulterior motive designed to terminate my contract based on some other factor such as a desire to avoid any (Larry) Nasser taint, or my race or gender.” 

Tucker’s remark additionally takes intention on the Title IX listening to scheduled to start out on Oct. 5. He alleges that neither Tracy nor her witnesses will likely be required to testify underneath oath, that he can not provide any proof of innocence and there will likely be no opening remark or final remarks nor or another alternative to argue his case. 

Michigan State explains investigation 

Also on Monday in wake of the suspension, Michigan State University meantime president Teresa Woodruff despatched an e mail to the MSU group during which she defined the investigation process, together with the verdict to droop Tucker with out pay. 

“In all cases, claimants and respondents are provided with a deliberative process to ensure facts of the matter can be clearly understood,” Woodruff stated. “As there have been new developments before the hearing, including details of acknowledged behavior, Athletic Director (Alan) Haller suspended Mel Tucker without pay. While this action was not taken lightly, it was necessary, appropriate and in support of the affected individuals and of the interests of our community.” 

Woodruff says that Michigan State’s higher-ups had been made conscious about the criticism in past due December and {that a} third-party investigator submitted their document on July 25. The third-party investigator does not make any determinations according to its document, moderately they delegate that activity to a third-party solution officer. Woodruff says that the Oct. 5 listening to date was once agreed upon via the claimant (Tracy), respondent (Tucker) and the third-party solution officer.