"Rape Survivor Accuses Michigan State Football Coach Mel Tucker of Sexual Harassment - Details"

Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker is embroiled in a sexual harassment investigation, causing a scandal with advocate Brenda Tracy.

Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker has found himself at the center of an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual harassment. Tucker, a prominent figure in college football and one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport, has held the position since 2020.

In a surprising twist, Tucker, who has previously collaborated with Brenda Tracy, an advocate against sexual violence in sports, now faces accusations from Tracy herself. Tracy, a rape survivor dedicated to educating athletes about sexual violence, has accused Tucker of making sexual comments and engaging in sexual acts during a phone call. This alleged violation has deeply affected Tracy, reopening the wounds of her past trauma.

Tucker initially appeared to be an ally in Tracy's advocacy work, inviting her to campus on multiple occasions to address his players and staff and even honoring her as an honorary captain at a spring football game. However, their relationship took a disturbing turn during the phone call in question, as detailed in Tracy's complaint filed with the university's Title IX office.

In response to the allegations, Tucker has admitted to masturbating during the call but claims it was consensual "phone sex." He has expressed remorse for the situation and acknowledged lapses in judgment but vehemently denies any misconduct.

Michigan State University has taken the allegations seriously and has hired an external Title IX attorney to conduct an investigation. The investigative process has concluded, and a formal hearing is scheduled for October 5 and 6 to determine whether Tucker violated the school's policy on sexual harassment and exploitation.

The consequences of this investigation are significant for both Tucker and Tracy. Tracy fears that Tucker may attempt to damage her professional reputation and career by portraying her as someone who blurs professional and personal boundaries and files false reports. Tucker, on the other hand, could face the loss of approximately $80 million in owed compensation if his employment is terminated for cause.

Title IX, the federal law addressing sex discrimination in education, requires schools to investigate allegations of sexual harassment within the context of a school program or activity. These cases present inherent challenges, such as the lack of eyewitnesses and recordings, the passage of time, and the complexities of litigating issues related to consent.

Tucker's coaching career has experienced ups and downs. After an impressive 11-2 season in 2021, he was initially considered untouchable. However, a disappointing 5-7 campaign in 2022 has put him under mounting pressure, according to CBS Sports.

The Michigan-Ohio State football rivalry, known as "The Game," is an annual matchup between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Both teams have a history of success in NCAA Division I football.

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