State football coach Mel Tucker has been placed on unpaid leave by the university amid an investigation into sexual harassment allegations made by a prominent activist and rape survivor. Secondary coach Harlon Barnett will take over on an interim basis and retired head football coach Mark Dantonio will have a role with the team, the school announced Sunday. Athletic Director Alan Haller held a brief press conference on Sunday to announce the decision, while stressing he was limited in what he could say due to the ongoing investigation. As he explained Sunday, Haller learned of the probe in late December and an outside investigator submitted a report in July, recommending a formal hearing, which will take place the week of October 5. A source told that the suspension is 'just a formality,' explaining that Tucker has 'coached his last game at MSU,' but for legal reasons, the school must finish its investigation and grant him a hearing. If he's fired for cause, MSU could avoid paying Tucker's reported $70 million buyout.
Load More
Load More