What happened to Mel Tucker? All about the Journey from football to fire

Publish date: 2024-05-03

We are all eager to know about Mel Tucker and his professional and personal happenings.

If you are one of his fans, this article is especially for you.

This great sportsperson has been in the news from the start so let’s have a look at a recent one.

Who is Mel Tucker?

Melvin Gene Tucker II was born on January 4, 1972, in Ohio, United States. He is an American football coach and former player.

He has been in the limelight for various reasons throughout his career. He is also one of the highest-paid coaches in all types of sports. He has been the head coach at Michigan State University since 2020.

Mel Tucker’s career graph

Mel Tucker attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he played defensive back for the Wisconsin Badgers football team.

He graduated in 1995 with a degree in agricultural business management.

Before being the head coach at Michigan State University, he had coaching experience at various college and NFL teams, including the University of Georgia, the University of Colorado, and the Chicago Bears.

What happened to Mel Tucker?

Mel Tucker was fired by Michigan State University on Monday without pay, because of the allegations by Brenda Tracy.

Tucker has more than $79 million remaining on his contract, which the University is attempting to not pay him with the firing for cause.

“I, with the support of administration and board, have provided Mel Tucker with written notice of intent to terminate his contract for cause,” the University’s vice president and director of athletics Alan Haller said in a news release

Brenda Tracy alleged him for misconduct and sexually harassing her during a phone call in April 2022.

Tucker is alleged to have masturbated and made sexual comments on Brenda Tracy on the phone call. Tracy is an advocate and a rape survivor who later filed the complaint to University’s Title IX office.

This notification process is required as part of his existing contract.

The notice provides Tucker with seven calendar days to respond and present reasons to me and the interim president as to why he should not be terminated for cause.

Mel Tucker’s personal life shifted during this turmoil 

Mel Tucker has been married for 22 years to JoEllyn, the love he met on a blind date. She and Mel Tucker exchanged wedding rings in 2000. They raised two sons together named, Joseph and Christian.

She practiced law and embraced the career of an attorney. Brenda Tracy also raised accusations against JoEllyn of inappropriate advances during a 2021 event of football. 

For over two decades, she has stood by Mel Tucker through his professional journey, showcasing her loyalty and the strong bond they share. Mel Tucker is having all the support of her in this hard time.

What’s next for Mel Tucker?

Mel Tucker on Tuesday said, “the allegations against me are completely false and it is a biased decision.” He called his firing a “miscarriage of justice.”

Mel Tucker in his statements to the Title IX investigator,  acknowledged masturbating on the call but said Tracy grossly mischaracterized the episode. According to him, they had consensual “phone sex.” 

Alan Haller, the athletic director at Michigan State University, said at a news conference that the investigation into Tucker’s conduct began in December 2022.

Meanwhile the secondary coach of Michigan State University, Harlon Barnett will serve as head coach at University. 

Mel Tucker has millions of fans around the globe and his recent controversy with Tracy has eyes on each one of them.

Brenda Tracy is also a powerful public speaker and sexual violence prevention educator. In 1998 Tracy survived a brutal gang rape by four college football players. 

It is quite tempting to see both of them playing their side. We hope that in the “Tucker – Tracy” tug of war, the truth will win.

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