Mel Tucker argues funds shared with estranged wife are vital to pursue lawsuit against Michigan State

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Former Michigan State University head football coach Mel Tucker is working to keep his divorce proceedings as private as possible, while continuing to pursue a wrongful termination lawsuit against his former employer.

Tucker submitted a request to the judge overseeing the proceedings to prevent media scrutiny of his ongoing divorce, the USA Today reported. Tucker's attorneys filed a motion for a protective order and asked the judge to seal the record of the case.

According to court documents, Tucker asked an Ingham County Circuit Court to vacate the mutual restraining order that was granted last month. Per the terms of the order, Tucker cannot spend money in their joint accounts to cover his personal legal fees. But, from Tucker's point of view, he needs access to the funds to be able to continue paying the fees to have the chance to win the ongoing legal action.

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Head coach Mel Tucker of the Michigan State Spartans before a game against the Richmond Spiders at Spartan Stadium Sept. 9, 2023, in East Lansing, Mich. (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Tucker was suspended in September after sexual harassment allegations against him were made public in a USA Today investigation. Brenda Tracy, an activist and rape survivor, said Tucker sexually harassed her during a phone call in April 2022. Several months later, Tracy filed a complaint with the school’s Title IX office.

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Tracy is known for her work with college teams educating athletes about sexual violence. Michigan State paid her $10,000