Lawsuit Between Mel Tucker and Brenda Tracy Dismissed
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A lawsuit filed by Brenda Tracy, a sexual assault survivor and sexual violence prevention educator, against former Michigan State University Head Football Coach Mel Tucker has been dismissed, bringing an end to a complex legal battle stemming from allegations of misconduct and a contentious firing. The case, initially filed in October 2024, centered on claims that Tucker made false statements that damaged Tracy’s reputation.
The dismissal, finalized on Wednesday, follows a request filed with the Ingham County Circuit Court and approved by Judge Wanda Stokes, with the most recent response to the dismissal request recorded on January 21.
Origins of the Legal Dispute
Tracy’s lawsuit emerged more than a year after Tucker’s dismissal from MSU. The former coach faced accusations of sexual harassment following reports, as detailed by the Associated Press, that he engaged in inappropriate behavior during a phone call with Tracy in April 2022. Specifically, Tracy alleged that Tucker masturbated while on the phone with her.
MSU initially suspended Tucker before ultimately terminating his employment, citing his acknowledgment of “consensual phone sex” with Tracy as a breach of his contract. University officials stated this conduct “brought public disrespect, contempt and ridicule upon the university; and constitute a material breach of his agreement, and moral turpitude.”
Conflicting Accounts and Legal Challenges
Tucker’s legal team vehemently denied Tracy’s claims, asserting in a May 2025 response that he had not made any false or reputation-harming statements. They further contended that any sexual acts were consensual. This claim directly challenged the university’s rationale for firing him.
The dismissal of Tracy’s lawsuit is just one facet of a broader legal saga. Because Tucker was fired “for cause,” MSU avoided paying the remaining $80 million of his $95 million, 10-year contract. Tucker appealed this decision in January 2024, but the appeal was ultimately denied.
Subsequently, Tucker initiated his own legal action against MSU, alleging wrongful termination and violations of his rights to due process, equal protection, and his employment agreement, according to reports from the Associated Press. Tracy has also filed a separate lawsuit against Michigan State University and the MSU Board of Trustees, focusing on the university’s handling of her initial complaints.
The resolution of Tracy’s lawsuit against Tucker does not necessarily signal the end of the legal proceedings surrounding this case. The ongoing disputes between Tucker and MSU, as well as Tracy’s lawsuit against the university, remain unresolved.
