Michigan State sacked head football coach Mel Tucker for cause on Monday amid a sexual harassment probe, so the school may not have to pay him the roughly $80 million left on his contract.
The university wrote to Tucker that his behavior triggered the Early Termination Provision of the 10-year, $95 million pact he signed in 2021,
which made him the sixth-highest-paid college football coach, the highest-paid Black coach, and the Big Ten's highest-paid coach.
MSU claims the former head coach fundamentally breached the agreement and participated in conduct that “in the University’s reasonable judgment,
would tend to bring public disrespect, contempt, or ridicule upon the University.”
MSU vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics Alan Haller said Tucker has seven days to react and argue for his non-firing.
Haller added that firing Tucker does not end its probe. Oct. 5 is the hearing date.
Tucker was suspended by Michigan State on Sept. 10 after USA Today reported that he sexually harassed Brenda Tracy,
an activist hired to teach athletes on sexual violence. Tucker denies the claims and may appeal the university's decision.