Whitmer issues statement on MSU’s Mel Tucker investigation: ‘We deserve better’
FOX 2 (WJBK) – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement demanding accountability in the investigation of Michigan State University football coach Mel Tucker.
Whitmer, herself a sexual assault survivor and MSU alumna, issued a statement regarding sexual harassment allegations made by activist and advocate Brenda Tracy of Tucker.
“As a survivor, I’m shocked. As a Spartan, I’m disappointed. As governor, I want answers,” he said. “I know the pain many feel when allegations like this come to light because I live it too. It’s traumatizing. MSU holds a special place in many of our hearts—which makes it even more painful.
“We deserve to know when the university knew about these allegations and why they made these decisions. We need to make sure that one of our state’s flagship universities, which carries so much weight around the world, is learning from the past and not rehashing it. to do
“Spartans, survivors and Michiganders – we deserve better.”
Tracy is an activist who speaks to college teams about sexual violence.Tucker has spoken to athletes many times.
In April 2022, Tucker was accused of masturbating during a phone call with Tracy. She told investigators she did it but called it consensual “phone sex.”
The university first learned of the development in December 2022 and an outside investigation was conducted. The report of that investigation was published in July. He was fired after new developments, though it’s unclear what those developments were.
In a statement through Tucker’s attorney, he said accuser Brenda Tracy’s allegations “have no semblance of justification in any matter of this importance…” The statement added that the scheduled hearing where investigators will determine whether wrongdoing occurred “is so flawed that the truth will not come out.” There is no other chance.”
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“The investigation was not fair or impartial. I can only conclude that Nasser had an ulterior motive for terminating my contract based on some other reason, such as stigma, or a desire to avoid my race or gender.”
Tracy responded to X, earlier on Twitter, on Monday evening
“It’s the same DARVO, deflection, victim blaming and more of the lies I’ve been dealing with for months now.
“Coach Tucker has been delaying and trying to stop the investigation process from the beginning. He cannot go to a hearing that determines the credibility of the participating parties. I believe this statement is a way to get out of participating in the hearing.”
Tracy said he will attend an investigative hearing on Tucker on Oct. 5 and 6 and be available for cross-examination by Koch’s attorney.
“I invite him to do the same,” he said.
