Mel Tucker Lawsuit 2026, Judge Dismisses Brenda Tracy’s Claims + $80M Wrongful Termination Status

As of January 28, 2026, a major chapter in the Mel Tucker legal saga has closed. An Ingham County judge dismissed the nine-count defamation lawsuit filed by Brenda Tracy against the former Michigan State University (MSU) football coach. While this specific claim was tossed out, Tucker’s massive $80 million wrongful termination lawsuit against MSU remains active and heading toward a high-stakes discovery phase.

The Current Status of Mel Tucker’s Legal Proceedings

The landscape of the “Mel Tucker lawsuit” is complex, involving multiple state and federal filings. To understand the current status as of January 2026, it is essential to distinguish between the two primary legal tracks:

• Tucker vs. Michigan State University (Ongoing): Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan (Case No. 1:24-cv-00795), this federal lawsuit is the centerpiece of the dispute. Tucker alleges wrongful termination, breach of contract, and a violation of his constitutional rights to due process. He is seeking roughly $80 million—the remaining guaranteed value of his 10-year, $95 million contract.
• Brenda Tracy vs. Mel Tucker (Dismissed): On January 28, 2026, Judge Wanda Stokes dismissed Tracy’s 2024 lawsuit against Tucker. The judge ruled that many of the claims were barred by the statute of limitations or lacked sufficient factual issues for a jury to consider. This follows a similar dismissal of a 2023 suit, though Tracy’s legal team has indicated they will likely appeal this latest ruling.

Who is Affected and What are the Allegations?

The parties involved in these proceedings include Mel Tucker, Brenda Tracy (a sexual assault prevention advocate), and Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees and leadership.

The nature of the allegations is as follows:

• MSU’s Allegations: The university fired Tucker for cause on September 27, 2023, following a Title IX investigation. The probe concluded that Tucker sexually harassed Tracy during an April 2022 phone call. Under the “moral turpitude” clause of his contract, MSU argues they are not obligated to pay his remaining salary.
• Tucker’s Allegations: In his federal complaint, Tucker characterizes the university’s investigation as a “sham” designed to protect the school’s reputation following the Larry Nassar scandal. He maintains that his relationship with Tracy was consensual and that the university “weaponized” its investigative procedures to avoid a massive financial payout.

Recent 2026 Updates: What Has Changed?

The most significant development this month is the dismissal of Tracy’s defamation claims. This provides a legal “win” for Tucker, as it removes one layer of litigation regarding his public image.

Additionally, in late 2025, the NCAA issued a three-year “show-cause” order against Tucker related to recruiting violations that occurred during his tenure. While this is an administrative penalty rather than a civil judgment, it complicates the narrative of his “wrongful” termination, as MSU may attempt to use these secondary infractions to bolster their “for cause” firing defense.

What You Must Know: Eligibility and Deadlines

Is There a Settlement for Fans or Students?

A common search query involves whether MSU students or football fans are eligible for any claims or settlements.

• No Public Settlement: There is currently no class-action settlement associated with the Mel Tucker lawsuit.
• Private Litigation: These are civil disputes over employment contracts and personal torts (defamation). Any monetary payout will go directly to the prevailing party (Tucker or MSU) and not to a general claimant pool.

Important Deadlines and Proceedings

If you are tracking the progress of these cases, keep the following dates in mind for 2026:

• Appellate Deadline: Brenda Tracy typically has 21 days from the January 28 order to file an initial notice of appeal in the Michigan Court of Appeals.
• Federal Discovery: The wrongful termination suit against MSU is entering a phase where both sides must produce internal emails and text messages. This process is expected to last through mid-2026.
• NCAA Compliance: MSU remains under a three-year probation period ending in November 2028, which may surface in court as part of the university’s defense.

Common Mistakes in Tracking This Case

Many readers confuse the Title IX investigation (an internal university process) with the federal lawsuit (a court proceeding). While the Title IX findings led to Tucker’s firing, the federal court is not bound by the university’s internal conclusion and will conduct its own independent review of whether the contract was breached.

What to Do Next

How to Access Official Court Records

To stay updated on the facts of the case without relying on commentary, you can access official documents:

1. Federal Case Filings: Use the PACER system for the Western District of Michigan to search Case No. 1:24-cv-00795.
2. State Court Updates: Check the Ingham County Circuit Court website for updates on any appeals related to Judge Stokes’ recent dismissal.
3. University Statements: Monitor official press releases from the MSU Board of Trustees, though they rarely comment on active litigation.

When to Seek Legal Advice

If you are an employee or contractor involved in a high-profile “for cause” termination or a Title IX dispute, these cases serve as a critical reminder of the importance of due process rights. You should consult with an employment or civil rights attorney to understand how “moral turpitude” or “contractual breach” clauses might affect your specific situation.

FAQs

Did Mel Tucker win his $80 million lawsuit?

No, the case is still in the litigation phase. While a separate lawsuit against him was dismissed in January 2026, his primary claim against Michigan State University for his remaining salary is ongoing and has not reached a verdict.

Why was Brenda Tracy’s lawsuit dismissed?

An Ingham County judge dismissed the suit on January 28, 2026, citing that the claims were either filed too late (statute of limitations) or failed to present a factual issue that required a jury trial.

Can Mel Tucker coach football again in 2026?

Tucker is currently under an NCAA show-cause order through November 2028. While he is not legally barred from being hired, any school that hires him would face significant restrictions and a mandatory suspension for 30% of the season.

Who is paying for Mel Tucker’s legal defense?

As this is a private civil matter regarding his own contract and defamation claims, Tucker is responsible for his own legal fees, unless a future court order requires MSU to reimburse him as part of a judgment.

Is there a claim form for the Mel Tucker settlement?

No. There is no settlement fund or claim form available to the public. This is a private legal dispute between individuals and an institution.

Last Updated: January 29, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For more on high-profile contract disputes, read our guide on how lawsuits affect employment agreements.

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About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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