Judge dismisses sexual harassment lawsuit against former Michigan State football head coach Mel Tucker

EAST LANSING, Mich. – A judge in East Lansing has dismissed the sexual harassment lawsuit against former Michigan State University football coach Mel Tucker.

The lawsuit was filed by Brenda Tracy, a sexual assault advocate invited to speak with the football team during Tucker’s tenure.

Tracy accused Tucker of making unwanted advances and harassing her during a phone call in 2022.

Tucker was fired after the allegations became public.

The dismissal followed a request from Tucker’s lawyers to throw out the case.

Before Wednesday’s ruling, Tracy claimed the university leaked her confidential harassment complaint against Tucker.

The 51-page lawsuit explicitly names trustees Rema Vassar and Dennis Denno, accusing them of exposing Tracy’s identity during the investigation.

Tracy said university officials failed to protect her from threats and harassment after her story became public and ignored previous complaints about Tucker’s behavior toward other women.

Tucker was fired last fall after investigators found he had sexually harassed Tracy during an April 2022 phone call, eight months after hiring her to speak to his players about preventing sexual violence.

Tracy sought unspecified damages, saying she suffered psychological distress and lost income.

Her lawyers say they plan to appeal the ruling.