Mel Tucker tells MSU he'll file wrongful termination lawsuit - ESPN

Fired Spartans football coach Mel Tucker informed Michigan State University on Thursday that he is preparing to file a potential wrongful termination lawsuit against the school.

Tucker's attorney sent a letter to Michigan State's general counsel requesting that the school maintain electronic and paper records for all members of the athletic department along with several other university employees «in anticipation of litigation.»

Michigan State fired Tucker for cause on Wednesday, roughly one month after sexual abuse prevention advocate Brenda Tracy accused the coach of sexually harassing her after she contracted to work with the football program.

Athletic director Alan Haller said Tucker was being fired for cause because his admitted sexual encounter with Tracy «brought public disrespect, contempt and ridicule upon the university; and constitute a material breach of his agreement, and moral turpitude.»

Tucker's attorney, Jennifer Belveal, called Michigan State's actions an «illegal termination» in her letter. By firing Tucker for cause, Michigan State is not responsible for paying Tucker any of the nearly $79 million that remained on his lengthy contract with the football program.

Tucker contested the firing in multiple public statements and in a letter sent to Haller last week.

Michigan State suspended Tucker without pay Sept. 10, one day after details about his alleged sexual harassment of Tracy were made public in a story published by USA Today. Tracy filed a sexual misconduct claim with the university in December 2022, claiming that Tucker made unwelcome sexual comments to her and masturbated during a phone call without her consent.

The university hired an outside investigator to determine if Tucker violated the