Michigan St. fires Tucker for breaching his contract
Michigan State fired Mel Tucker on Wednesday, saying the suspended football coach failed to present adequate reasons why he should not be fired for cause after having what he described as consensual phone sex with an activist and rape survivor.
The school said it terminated what’s left of Tucker’s $95 million, 10-year contract for acknowledging actions that subjected the institution to ridicule, breaching his contract and moral turpitude.
Brenda Tracy, the activist and rape survivor, said Tucker sexually harassed her during the phone call in April 2022. Several months later, Tracy filed a complaint with the school’s Title IX office.
Michigan State informed Tucker, 51, that it planned to fire him on Sept. 18 and gave him a week to respond, which he did on Monday.
“Simply put, Mr. Tucker’s response does not provide any information that refutes or undermines the multiple grounds for termination for cause set forth in the notice,” athletic director Alan Haller said.
Messages seeking comment were left with Tucker’s attorney and agent. He has acknowledged having phone sex with her but said it was consensual.
Vilda added to Spain’s probe
MADRID » Former Spain women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda has been summoned to appear before a judge in the probe involving former soccer federation president Luis Rubiales for his kissing a player on the lips after the team won the Women’s World Cup title last month, court officials said.
Vilda and two other federation officials were summoned to appear as investigated parties.
Three national team players had already been summoned as witnesses. Spanish news agency EFE said they were Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes and Misa Rodríguez.
Memphis: Williams enrolled online but barred from hoops
EL CAJON, CALIF. » Star recruit Mikey Williams is enrolled in online classes at Memphis and remains on the roster but will not have access to team facilities or activities until his court case on six felony gun charges is completed, the basketball program announced.
Williams’ status with the team will be determined then, according to a statement from the program.
Williams’ preliminary hearing has been postponed three times and is now scheduled for Oct. 10.
Messi ruled out
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. » Lionel Messi was not on Inter Miami’s roster for the U.S. Open Cup final against Houston on Wednesday night, marking the fourth match for club and country that he’s missed in recent weeks while dealing with some sort of leg issue.
And it’s unclear if Messi will continue to be sidelined with Inter Miami resumes its push to make Major League Soccer’s playoffs this weekend.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was subbed out of a match against Toronto on Sept. 20 because of a leg issue, and did not play in the team’s 1-1 draw at Orlando on Sunday.