Fired Michigan State coach Mel Tucker barred from releasing more of his sexual harassment accuser’s private texts as judge suggests messages were obtained illegally

Fired Michigan State University football coach Mel Tucker and his attorneys have been hit with an emergency restraining order temporarily barring them from releasing any more text messages sent to him by the woman who accuses him of sexual harassment.

Brenda Tracy, a well-known rape survivor and victim’s rights advocate, recently accused Tucker of sexual harassment after she began speaking with the Spartans team in 2021. USA Today reports that Tracy claims Tucker sent her gifts, made unwanted sexual comments and masturbated without her consent during a phone call. Tracy visited the university on two occasions in 2021 and 2022 to speak to the football team about sexual misconduct prevention, the report claims, and was even made an honorary captain of the team.

Tucker was investigated by the school, placed on leave and ultimately fired by Michigan State, which terminated the remainder of his 10-year, $95 million contract last month.

He responded to the accusations Thursday by releasing 98 pages of heavily redacted text messages between Tracy and her best friend, Ahlan Alvarado, who is believed to have died in a car crash in June. Tucker and his lawyers claim the messages have “newly discovered evidence” that discredits Tracy’s accusations.

Tucker, who is married but reportedly estranged from his wife, also released a letter in which he claims he was in a relationship with Tracy and the two had consensual phone sex.

Tracy is a sexual assault survivor who talks to teams, like Michigan State, about consent

“The actions of Mel Tucker and his legal team put me in a position where I have to protect the lives and the confidential information of third parties who have nothing to do with this case,” Tracy said. The Detroit Free Press in a statement by email.

“It is disturbing to me that the man who abused me has access to every intimate detail of my life, my business and my nonprofit, through my best friend’s phone,” Tracy’s statement continued. “I grieve deeply for my friend who does not deserve this horrific betrayal by someone close to her, and I am angry at the gross violation of my privacy and hers.”

Judge James S. Jamo granted the motion Friday, saying Tracy had shown it was necessary to prevent Tucker and his lawyers from causing her irreparable harm by releasing the text messages.

“(The) protected, personal, private and sensitive business information related to sexual assault survivors and employees… was collected in violation of Michigan law,” reads a copy of the ruling, obtained by USA Today.

Alvarado, who worked for Tracy’s nonprofit, was a witness in the sexual harassment case against Tucker before he died in the aforementioned June car crash.

Their text messages contained “highly sensitive information regarding other survivors and their families,” Tracy said in Friday’s affidavit.

It is still unclear how Tucker’s team obtained the text messages.

The restraining order lasts until October 17.

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker, in black, leads his team onto the field before their opener

Tucker’s attorneys have asked university officials and representatives to preserve all documents related to the investigation “pending litigation” against the school.

Attorney Jennifer Belveal sent the request to Michigan State General Counsel Brian Quinn last month after what she called the “illegal termination of Mel Tucker’s contract.” Belveal wanted custody of electronic and paper documents and listed a number of school officials and others.

It came a day after Michigan State fired the previously suspended Tucker over what he described as consensual phone sex with an activist and rape survivor.

The school said that what was left of Tucker’s $95 million, 10-year contract in recognition of actions that subjected the institution to ridicule, his breach of contract and moral turpitude, ended. The state of MIchigan said Tucker failed to state sufficient reasons why he should not be fired for cause.