Mel Tucker, following being suspended by MSU for his reported sexual assault on Brenda Tracy, released this statement where he brough in Jim Harbaugh as a person that had reportedly been bad-mouthed by Tracy.
She told me that I could trust her, and I proceeded to do just that. I was absolutely unaware of the previous negative comments that she had made about iconic MSU coaches, then-President Engler, MSU in general, and even her more recent criticism of Coach Harbaugh, that I learned about during this investigation.
Tracy, a former rape survivor, has gone to many football programs to talk about sexual assault with college athletes, including multiple trips to East Lansing and Ann Arbor.
Tracy responded to Harbaugh’s comments in which he said he respected her and her work:
I really appreciate this stance by Coach Harbaugh. This situation should not be weaponized for the rivalry. https://t.co/pn3x1aBL0f
— Brenda Tracy (@brendatracy24) September 11, 2023
Here was another snippet from the Tucker statement:
“While I am saddened by Ms. Tracy’s disclosure of the sensitive nature of this call, let me be perfectly clear—it was an entirely mutual, private event between two adults living at opposite ends of the country,” Tucker said.
“I have been ripped from the Team that I love, without any meaningful opportunity to tell my side of the story other than this press release,” Tucker wrote. “I am incredibly proud of the outstanding group of men on the Team and my heart aches to be sidelined.”
Harbaugh was asked about the Tucker suspension at a presser today where he says he respects Tracy and her work:
Mel Tucker’s statement, through his attorney, mentioned Brenda Tracy’s criticism of Jim Harbaugh.
For what it’s worth, Harbaugh said the following today re: Tucker’s suspension:
“Don't know anything about it. I know Brenda Tracy. Respect her a lot. She's done really good…
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) September 11, 2023
Mel Tucker’s entire statement:
Mel Tucker breaks silence with statement provided by lawyer Jennifer Belveal pic.twitter.com/qcWaQevPhZ
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) September 11, 2023
Michigan and Michigan State, of course, were involved in the brawl last year where several MSU players ganged up on a few Michigan players following the Wolverines win in the tunnel.
