Mel Tucker’s attorney: Michigan State doesn’t have cause to fire suspended coach over phone sex

Mel Tucker’s attorney said Monday that Michigan State does not have cause to fire its suspended football coach because Tucker did not “engage in unprofessional or unethical behavior” when he had phone sex with an activist and rape survivor who the university paid to speak to his team. Belveal also cited Tucker’s “serious medical condition” in stating that the embattled coach reserves his right to fully respond to the university’s planned firing when he’s medically cleared. “Tucker is just the fall guy for the university’s negligence and misfeasance, the long history of which includes and predates the Nassar matter, but which unfortunately has continued and tainted the University’s handling of this matter.” The 51-year-old Tucker, who said he has been estranged from his wife for years and has two children, said the allegations against him are “completely false.” The school, however, said the actions Tucker acknowledged were unprofessional and unethical. Michigan State told Tucker that he was fired for “breaches” in his contract and for engaging “in any conduct which constitutes moral turpitude or which, in the university’s sole judgement, would tend to bring public disrespect, contempt or ridicule upon the university.” Belveal wrote that the university’s notice “adopts the allegations of Brenda Tracy without any meaningful review of the facts.” “First, Tucker did not breach the agreement in any capacity, much less a material one.