Michigan State University’s football program has been placed on three years of probation and former head coach Mel Tucker has received a show-cause penalty following a resolution with the NCAA related to recruiting violations. In the wake of these issues, the school is also facing a financial penalty of $30,000 and a reduction of 1.5% in its athletic budget, alongside new restrictions on recruiting practices.
The NCAA found that former MSU general manager Saeed Khalif and assistant coach Brandon Jordan, along with other staff members, knowingly provided improper recruiting inducements that amounted to over $10,700 in impermissible benefits to prospective student-athletes between October 2021 and March 2023. Tucker has been handed a three-year show-cause order which restricts him from participating in any athletically related activities during this period. If he secures a new coaching position within this timeframe, a further suspension will come into effect. Khalif has been given an even longer six-year show-cause penalty.
Michigan State’s administration expressed a desire to move forward positively, highlighting that this resolution brings closure to an NCAA investigation triggered by violations from a previous coaching staff. “Michigan State pursued a negotiated resolution to minimize the penalties and limit the possible impact on our current football student-athletes and staff, who were not involved in the violations,” stated Michigan State president Kevin Guskiewicz and athletic director J Batt. With the situation resolved, they are now focused on the future of Spartan football.
The NCAA’s notice of allegations was officially served to MSU earlier this year after the school self-reported these violations in August. This occurred shortly before Tucker’s firing for cause, which was tied to allegations of sexual harassment against an anti-rape activist. Tucker had a significant contract left, amounting to $75 million, after a successful stint in 2021, but saw the team’s performance drop in the subsequent seasons.
Following Tucker’s departure, Harlon Barnett stepped in as the interim coach for the remainder of the 2023 season. Michigan State subsequently hired Jonathan Smith from Oregon State but has struggled in his tenure, holding a record of just 9-13 in the first 22 games.
The university’s focus now shifts to rebuilding and creating a sustainable, ethically-sound future for the Spartan football program, aiming for both on-field success and maintaining integrity in recruitment and coaching practices. Despite the challenges faced, the MSU community remains hopeful as it turns a new page in its football history.