Fired Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker sexually harassed a rape survivor and violated school policy, an investigation has found

Former Michigan State University football coach Mel Tucker has been found guilty of violating the school’s sexual harassment policy.

Brenda Tracy, a well-known rape survivor and victims’ rights advocate, accused Tucker of sexually harassing her after she began speaking to the Spartans team in 2021.

In a 73-page report released Wednesday afternoon, a university hearing officer found that the former coach sexually harassed and exploited Tracy when he masturbated and made sexual comments without her consent during a telephone conversation in April 2022, according to USA Today.

The call came eight months after Tracy was hired by Tucker as a sexual violence prevention educator.

The investigation also revealed that Tucker had made unwanted sexual advances in the months prior to the phone call. It was discovered that after the call, the coach continued to engage in quid pro quo sexual harassment before subsequently ending his business partnership.

Former Michigan State University football coach Mel Tucker has been found guilty of violating the school’s sexual harassment policy

Brenda Tracy, a well-known rape survivor and victims’ rights advocate, accused Tucker of sexually harassing her after she began speaking to the Spartans team in 2021

The report published by USA Today states: “In summary, considering all available evidence, the Resolution Officer concludes by a preponderance of the evidence that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that the Respondent targeted the Claimant based on his gender subjected him to unwelcome behavior while using FaceTime.” Video called plaintiff shirtless; when he attempted to meet with the Claimant alone after the Spring Game; and when he nonconsensually masturbated and used graphic sexual language in a telephone conversation with the Claimant.”

Tucker was investigated by the school, placed on leave and ultimately released by Michigan State, which terminated the remainder of his 10-year, $95 million contract last month.

He responded to the allegations earlier this month by releasing 98 pages of heavily redacted text messages between Tracy and her best friend Ahlan Alvarado, who reportedly died in a car accident in June. Tucker and his lawyers claim the messages contain “newly discovered evidence” that refutes Tracy’s allegations.

Tucker, who is married but is reportedly estranged from his wife, also released a letter claiming he was in a relationship with Tracy and that the two had consensual phone sex.

But his account to the investigator that he and Tracy had been romantically involved and had “consensual” phone sex was viewed as less plausible, less consistent and less supported by the evidence than that provided by Tracy, the report reportedly said have.

Tracy filed a complaint with the school’s Title IX office 10 months ago, which led to Michigan State hiring an independent attorney who spent seven months investigating.

The state of Michigan held a formal hearing on the case on October 5, which Tucker did not attend.