Former Michigan State soccer coach Mel Tucker is planning to file a wrongful termination lawsuit towards the college, he confirmed on Thursday .
Tucker despatched a letter via his lawyer to Michigan State formally requesting that the college keep each digital and paper data for all members of the athletic division and different staff “in anticipation of litigation.”
The transfer got here simply within the wake of sexual harassment allegations.
earlier this month after a number of reviews mentioned he had sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, a sexual assault consciousness activist, when she was employed as a vendor with the college. Tracy, a rape survivor herself, works with soccer groups and different teams all through the US to boost consciousness about sexual harassment, assault and rape. She was employed by Michigan State to supply “a sexual misconduct prevention instructional program” for the soccer workforce.
Tracy allegedly informed Michigan State investigators that Tucker despatched her items, requested her if she would date him if he wasn’t married and even masturbated on a cellphone name with out her consent. Tucker has insisted that their relationship and his actions have been consensual.
on Wednesday, a . By firing him for trigger — which the college can do as a consequence of a clause in his contract that permits that motion if he has demonstrated “conduct which constitutes ethical turpitude” or conduct that “introduced public disrespect, contempt or ridicule upon the college” — Michigan State isn’t required to pay him the $75 million that’s left on his 10-year, $95 million contract.
Tucker’s impending wrongful termination lawsuit will try and drive Michigan State to pay not less than a part of that remaining deal. It’s unclear when it will likely be formally filed.
Tucker was employed at Michigan State in 2020. He compiled a 20-14 report there over 4 seasons, although 11 of these wins got here through the 2021 marketing campaign. He signed his new 10-year extension with the college after that season, which made him one of many highest paid coaches within the sport.
The Spartans are actually being led by interim head coach Harlon Barnett. They’ve misplaced two straight video games headed into Saturday’s matchup at Iowa.