Michigan State's Mel Tucker Battles to Keep Divorce Private Amid Wrongful Termination Lawsuit

Former Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker seeks to shield his divorce proceedings from public scrutiny while pursuing a wrongful termination lawsuit against the university.

Former Michigan State University head football coach Mel Tucker is attempting to shield his ongoing divorce proceedings from public scrutiny while simultaneously pursuing a wrongful termination lawsuit against his previous employer.

Tucker has filed a motion with the presiding judge to prevent media scrutiny and seal the records of his divorce case currently underway in Ingham County Circuit Court. According to the motion, Tucker's attorneys request a protective order to maintain confidentiality.

The divorce proceedings gained prominence after Tucker's wife, Jo Ellyn Tucker, filed for divorce in April, claiming that Tucker had spent around $1.5 million from their joint accounts to cover his legal expenses. Additionally, Jo Ellyn alleged that Mel had transferred funds from his retirement accounts into accounts she could not access.

Mel Tucker maintains that his wife was aware of his plans to consolidate his retirement accounts and that she would benefit from any potential financial gains if he wins his wrongful termination lawsuit against Michigan State.

The lawsuit stems from sexual harassment allegations made public in a USA Today investigation in September 2022. Brenda Tracy, an activist and rape survivor, accused Tucker of sexual harassment during a phone call in April 2022. Tracy subsequently filed a complaint with the university's Title IX office.

Responding to the allegations, Tucker admitted to phone sex with Tracy but maintained that it was consensual. Michigan State suspended Tucker in September but eventually terminated him for cause two weeks later.

In a separate legal action, Tracy and her nonprofit organization, Set The Expectation, filed an intent to sue Tucker and MSU in March. Tracy alleges that Tucker's actions have damaged her reputation, hindered her ability to earn income, and caused her psychological and emotional harm. She is seeking damages exceeding $75 million.

Mel Tucker's coaching career commenced at Michigan State as a graduate assistant under Nick Saban in 1997. He returned to the university in 2021 with one of the most lucrative contracts in college sports after stints as head coach at Colorado and assistant coach at Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State.

Tucker's tenure included a brief stint in the NFL as interim head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2011 season.

The outcome of Tucker's legal battles, including the wrongful termination lawsuit and the divorce proceedings, remains uncertain. The court will ultimately decide whether to grant Tucker's request for a protective order and seal his divorce records, balancing the parties' interests in privacy against the public's right to access court proceedings.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.