Statements from Mel Tucker, Brenda Tracy and more on Michigan State investigation

EAST LANSING — Michigan State University head football coach Mel Tucker, in his fourth season in East Lansing, was suspended without pay on Sunday following a USA Today report published early Sunday that details allegations Brenda Tracy, a national sexual violence prevention advocate, made against Tucker. Tucker denies Tracy's characterization of their relationship.

Here's a look at the statements Tracy, Tucker, MSU and state officials have released since the allegations have come to light.

From Brenda Tracy

Tracy in her first public statement said Tucker's response was just "“This is just "more of the same DARVO...that I’ve been dealing with now for months," referring to the acronym for deny, attack and reverse victim and offender.

"Coach Tucker has been delaying and trying to stop the investigative process since the beginning. He can’t afford to go to a hearing that determines credibility of the participating parties. I believe this statement is his way of getting out of participating in the hearing. October 5th and 6th I will be present for the hearing and make myself available for cross examination by his attorney Jennifer Belveal. I invite him to do the same.”

READ MORE: MSU's Mel Tucker suspended after accusations of sexual harassment made public: What we know

From Tracy, regarding her name being leaked

"In regard to my name being leaked to the media without my consent and the timing of the USA Today column, I would like to offer some context and background.

"From the moment of filing my formal complaint against Coach Tucker in December 2022, my focus has been to navigate and complete the school process without the involvement of the public and the media. Given the high-profile nature of the case and the history of MSU as it pertains to other survivors of sexual misconduct, I entered the process hopeful but also with a healthy amount of skepticism. As the investigation moved forward, the behavior and statements made by Coach Tucker and his lawyer Jennifer Belveal made it very evident to me that I was going to need to defend and protect myself.

"I voluntarily shared documents with USA Today so that my story could be written and published after the conclusion of the school process, but also just in case my name leaked — which it did. I did not want to publish my story in the early morning hours last weekend, but I had no choice because someone outed me to the media. I am angry that my right to confidentiality has been violated and I hope that those responsible are held accountable.

"It is unacceptable that survivors must endure continued violations of our agency and autonomy in an attempt to seek justice and accountability for the harm done to us."

READ MORE: MSU president Teresa Woodruff says she didn't know details of Tucker

From Mel Tucker

"Brenda Tracy’s allegations of harassment are completely false. The proceedings initiated by Ms. Tracy are devoid of any semblance of fairness for any matter of this importance, and the University’s 'hearing' scheduled for October 5-6 is so flawed that there is no other opportunity for the truth to come out. That is why I share some truth with you now.

"I helped bring Ms. Tracy to campus in the summer of 2021 because I support her mission of sexual misconduct prevention. This single presentation was her only paid engagement with the University. We developed a mutual friendship that grew into an intimate, adult relationship; at this point, my wife and I had been estranged for a long time. Ms. Tracy and I engaged in dozens of calls throughout fall 2021 and winter 2022, many of which she initiated and which occurred late at night. We both talked about all sorts of intimate, private matters. She told me that I could trust her, and I proceeded to do just that. I was absolutely unaware of the previous negative comments that she had made about iconic MSU coaches, then-President (John) Engler, MSU in general, and even her more recent criticism of Coach (Jim) Harbaugh, that I learned about during this investigation.

"The 1200 pages of investigation materials that Ms. Tracy released to the media contains a number of important facts that any fair-minded person would want to know in evaluating the situation. Even the investigator hired by the University found that we had a 'personal relationship' and that we shared 'deeply personal and private information with each other.'

"Ms. Tracy encouraged our personal relationship by inviting and accepting gifts from me. During the investigation, Ms. Tracy admitted requesting and accepting my gift of expensive athletic shoes, a $200 Venmo payment, and a personal contribution to her non-profit. Not only did she accept those gifts, but she had to provide me her shoe size and address to receive the shoes, and her Venmo ID to receive the money.

"Yes, I did have a late-night intimate conversation with Ms. Tracy in April 2022. Again, as even Ms. Tracy’s statements to the investigator confirm, this conversation had nothing to do with the University and was outside of the scope of Title IX or any University policy. (By the way, while press reports have called this a 'Title IX' investigation, that’s inaccurate. The University admitted there is no Title IX jurisdiction, so the investigation of my private life was relegated to an alleged policy violation.)

"While I am saddened by Ms. Tracy’s disclosure of the sensitive nature of this call, let me be perfectly clear — it was an entirely mutual, private event between two adults living at opposite ends of the country. She initiated the discussion that night, sent me a provocative picture of the two of us together, suggested what she may look like without clothes, and never once during the 36 minutes did she object in any manner, much less hang up the phone.

"Following the call, it was not until four months later — only after Ms. Tracy’s next paid presentation was postponed and only after I complained to her that she and her assistant were spreading rumors about my marriage — that she ever told anyone (including her therapist, best friend or attorney) that she was offended by the call. In fact, she gave me every indication that everything was fine. She sent me a 'Happy Father’s Day' text (two months after the call) and repeatedly expressed a desire to return to MSU, telling my assistants that she had a close relationship with me.

"Also contrary to her allegations, I never cancelled any presentation. Given a personnel change and scheduling challenges as football season approached, we merely postponed it until January 2023. She chose to file her complaint instead of proceeding with the training.

"The investigation has not been fair or unbiased. I can only conclude that there is an ulterior motive designed to terminate my contract based on some other factor such as a desire to avoid any (sic) Nasser taint, or my race or gender. The sham 'hearing' scheduled for October 5-6 is ridiculously flawed and not designed to arrive at the truth. For example, in this zoom hearing: (1) neither Ms. Tracy nor any of her witnesses will be required to testify under oath or penalty of perjury; (2) we cannot present or offer any substantive evidence of innocence; and (3) there is no opening statement, closing argument or any opportunity to explain our case. This 'hearing' process was obviously designed for student infractions — not to address personal, private acts between adults in which disclosure of the intimate details impact one’s reputation and career. I have no intention of allowing Ms. Tracy’s character assassination to go unaddressed.

"Ms. Tracy’s attorney told us from the very beginning that I should not lose my job over her allegations, but that it would take a lot of money to make it go away. Her twisting of our personal relationship months after it concluded is designed to revive her career and destroy my life, precipitated by her greed. One of the most absurd allegations by Ms. Tracy is that if our relationship and associated facts went public, only she would be harmed, not me. As the world can see, quite the opposite is true.

"I have been ripped from the Team that I love, without any meaningful opportunity to tell my side of the story other than this press release. I am incredibly proud of the outstanding group of men on the Team and my heart aches to be sidelined. I ask everyone to consider carefully the undisputed facts outlined and reserve judgment until the full truth comes out."

READ MORE:MSU won't reveal oversight measures put in place for Mel Tucker

From MSU interim President Teresa Woodruff and the Board of Trustees

“The MSU Board of Trustees was notified in December 2022 that there was a complaint filed against Mel Tucker. The MSU Administration did not provide the Board details of the allegation or the identity of the claimant at any time during the ongoing investigation, following MSU protocol and best practices for (relationship violence and sexual misconduct)-related cases. Further, the Board was advised that appropriate interim and personnel measures regarding Mel Tucker were put into place at that time. The Board found out greater details surrounding the case via the media stories breaking on Sept. 10.

“In accordance with state law, Trustees are provided final reports of Title IX and RVSM matters pertaining to employees once the entire case resolution and all appeals processes are completed. The investigation involving Mel Tucker is still ongoing.” 

READ MORE: Mel Tucker statement: MSU coach denies harassment of Brenda Tracy

From nonprofit Set the Expectation, which Tracy founded

"Set The Expectation exists to eradicate sexual violence through prevention work with men and to uplift and advocate for survivors. Our nonprofit knows, with unblinking clarity, the immense challenge of coming forward as a survivor of sexual misconduct or violence. The news surrounding our founder, Brenda Tracy, highlights how necessary this work continues to be in our society. When people come forward to report misconduct, assault and or violence, they deserve compassion, protection, and empathy. Instead, survivors are more often met with skepticism, victim-blaming, threats of violence, and personal attacks.

"Brenda has devoted her life to converting her pain into action by serving as a leader in the prevention space. She is a respected advocate for survivors and a valued educator for so many programs across the country.

“Through our collective work, Set The Expectation and Brenda Tracy empower people to make their communities safer by addressing the myriad of issues connected to sexual violence, assault and misconduct. It is not easy work. But because of our work, we know that more men understand their role as advocates and allies. We know that when programs implement our guidance, they have a safer campus. We know that through this work survivors feel seen, heard and — most importantly — empowered.

“If nothing else, the recent news reminds us that the work to eradicate sexual violence must continue if we ever hope to see progress. We continue to hope and we will continue to work.

“Please join us in standing alongside Brenda Tracy. When we support one survivor, we show other survivors they are safe, too."

READ MORE: Michigan State's Mel Tucker disputes sexual harassment allegations

From Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

“As a survivor, I’m shocked. As a Spartan, I’m disappointed. As Governor, I want answers. 

“I know the pain that so many feel when allegations like this come to light because I live it too. It’s retraumatizing. MSU holds a special place in so many of our hearts — which is what makes this hurt more.  

“We deserve to know when the university knew about these allegations and why they made the decisions they did. We need to ensure that one of our state’s flagship universities, one that carries so much weight around the world, is learning from the past and not recreating it.   

“Spartans, survivors, and Michiganders — we deserve better." 

READ MORE: Couch: Focus shifts to timing of Mel Tucker suspension and an MSU football team in transition

From U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly

"This has been a tough couple days for the MSU community, and for MSU supporters across the state. While MSU acted yesterday, recent experience on sexual assault and sexual harassment make it understandable that Spartans are deeply pained, frustrated, and left asking questions.

"What’s clear is that the coach’s admitted behavior was unacceptable and has thrown the institution into yet another maelstrom on these issues. As MSU’s representative and a fan, it’s hard to watch.

"We all want to get past the (Dr. Larry) Nassar chapter of MSU’s history, but we unfortunately still have more work to do to get to a community free of harassment and violence."

READ MORE: Michigan State University's football coach Mel Tucker suspended without pay

From Tom Barrett, candidate for 7th Congressional District

"Reports of sexual harassment by Michigan State University head football coach Mel Tucker are disturbing, and his own acknowledgement of his actions reveals an incredible lack of judgment, something he also acknowledges. MSU is still healing from the horrific actions of Larry Nassar and this is unacceptable behavior for anyone at the university, particularly someone in leadership. Coach Tucker should do the right thing and resign, rather than put the MSU community through more shame and embarrassment."

READ MORE: Mel Tucker likely done at Michigan State after sexual harassment probe (lansingstatejournal.com)

MSU Trustee Dianne Byrum

“I am disturbed and outraged by recent reports indicating the name of a claimant in a sexual harassment investigation was intentionally released in an apparent effort to retaliate against her. We should unequivocally condemn attempts to silence or retaliate against victims.

"I call on Michigan State University to thoroughly investigate these troubling allegations and hold anyone who is found to have leaked or released the claimant’s name accountable. We need to do everything in our power to ensure victims of sexual assault and abuse can come forward without fear or intimidation and have full confidence their identities and private information will be kept confidential.

:In the past MSU has not been as transparent as it should’ve been during times of crisis, and we need to learn from these painful experiences and improve if we are going to regain the trust of our Spartan Community and move forward.”

Contact Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @GrecoatLSJ .