ICYMI: Hearing Officer Rules Tucker Violated Sexual Misconduct Policy

On Wednesday, a hearing officer ruled that former Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker violated the university's sexual misconduct policy with his allegedly nonconsensual relationship with Brenda Tracy, a sexual abuse survivor that coach Tucker hired to speak to his football team in recent years.

Tracy filed a sexual harassment claim against Tucker late last year, saying that the now-fired Tucker made unwanted sexual advances towards her.  Tucker has said that he felt their relationship was consensual.

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Tucker had 10 days to appeal the ruling.  But on Thursday, Tucker and his attorneys, said that he would be filing an appeal.

When hearing about Wednesday's ruling, Tracy told USA Today "My first reaction was tears of relief."

Michigan State University suspended Tucker back in September after Tracy went public to USA Today with her allegations.  And then the school subsequently fired him two weeks later for cause, they say.  It would relieve the university's responsibility to the nearly $80 million left on his contract.

Tucker hasn't filed a wrongful termination suit against the school yet.  But that is widely expected.

The 2-5 Spartans are at Minnesota this Saturday in Big Ten play.  You can hear the broadcast on 1240 WJIM & 94.9 WMMQ starting with the White Law PLLC MSU Football Tailgate Show, starting at 12:00pm.