Michigan State University head football coach Mel Tucker has been suspended. The suspension comes following the news that he’s the subject of a specific MSU Title IX investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, MSU announced Sunday (Sept. 10). According to a release, Mel Tucker is suspended without pay pending the result of the MSU’s investigation. The hearing will start Oct. 5.
While Tucker is gone, secondary coach Harlon Barnett will step in as acting head coach. Also, Mark Dantonio will assist him. Spartan fans know Dantonio as one of the most successful MSU football coaches of all time. Dantonio will serve as on-field assistant for MSU.
Mel Tucker Suspended
According to a release, Brenda Tracy filed a complaint in December 2022. Tracy is a rape survivor and activist against sexual violence. In the complaint, she accused Tucker of making sexually suggestive comments and masturbating as she “sat frozen for several minutes” during a phone call. That call took place, she stated, on April 28, 2022. She shared the details with USA Today, stating that she went to MSU at least three times as an activist beginning in 2021 and got to know Tucker there. Back in 1998, Tracy was gang raped by four men, three college football players and a recruit. Since then, as aforementioned, she’s become an activist against sexual violence.
“The idea that someone could know me and say they understand my trauma but then re-inflict that trauma on me is so disgusting to me, it’s hard for me to even wrap my mind around it,” Tracy told USA Today. “It’s like he sought me out just to betray me.”
Tucker has responded, too. “Ms. Tracy’s distortion of our mutually consensual and intimate relationship into allegations of sexual exploitations has really affected me,” Tucker wrote in a letter to the investigator USA Today obtained. “I am not proud of my judgement and I am having difficulty forgiving myself for getting into this situation, but I did not engage in misconduct by any definition.”
Detroit Lions: Get to Know the Initial 53-Man Roster for 2023
Quarterbacks
This year’s quarterbacks are Jared Goff, who is the starting quarterback, of course, along with Teddy Bridgewater and Hendon Hooker. We have a solid crew here. I’m a Goff believer.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 09: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions look on during pregame warm-ups prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on January 09, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Wide receivers
This year’s wide receivers include Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, Marvin Jones, Jameson Williams and Antoine Green. Sadly, Williams will miss the first several games due to gambling violations.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 18: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball after making a catch against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Running backs
We’re strong here. This year’s running backs include David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jason Cabinda (FB). This is a solid roster. It’s great to get Montgomery from the Bears.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 11: Jahmyr Gibbs #26 of the Detroit Lions runs up the field in the second quarter of a preseason game against the New York Giants at Ford Field on August 11, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Tight ends
We need some help in this area, but this year’s lineup seems strong. This year’s tight ends include Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and James Mitchell.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 18: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball after making a catch against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Offensive line
Let’s go get it! This year’s offensive line includes Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, Jonah Jackson, Graham Glasgow, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Colby Sorsdal and Matt Nelson. That’s a good showing.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 18: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the third quarter at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Defensive line
Let’s look at the positions of EDGE and tackles. We have Alim McNeill, Isaiah Buggs, Brodric Martin, Levi Onwuzurike, Benito Jones, Aidan Hutchinson, Charles Harris, Josh Paschal, John Cominsky, James Houston, Romeo Okwara and Julian Okwara. It’s a solid list.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 11: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on September 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Linebackers and Defensive backs
Let’s check out our linebackers and defensive backs. We have Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Anthony Pittman, Cam Sutton, Jerry Jacobs, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Emmanuel Moseley, Kerby Joseph, Tracy Walker, Brian Branch, Will Harris, Khalil Dorsey, Steven Gilmore and Ifeatu Melifonwu. Many of these are familiar names.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Jamaal Williams #30 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Specialists
Don’t forget these guys. We also have Jack Fox, Scott Daly and Riley Patterson. In the fold. So, there you have it. Our initial lineup. Let’s keep everyone healthy and winning.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 09: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on January 09, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
