Is Mel Tucker Married? Looking at Wife Jo-Ellyn Tucker and Victim Brenda Tracy’s Accusations

Here are two strong women who established themselves in their fields on their own accord. Not only are these women independent, but they also are helping with societal issues through their personal experiences. But their lives are hanging in the balance due to serious allegations against a man.

Brenda Tracy has accused MSU coach Mel Tucker of sexual misconduct. Mel Tucker is married to former attorney Jo-Ellyn Tucker. However, new developments in the case shed a different light on the case as the coach claims he had a consensual affair with Tracy.

What happened with Coach Tucker, and who is wife? Read along for a complete account.

Is Mel Tucker Married? Who Is Mel Tcuker’s Wife Jo-Ellyn?

Jo-Ellyn Tucker was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. She enrolled in Michigan State University, subsequently becoming an attorney. It’s her philanthropic contribution that made her a prominent name. She quickly rose as a community leader who would initiate various charity events, supporting several causes.

While pursuing her career in law, Jo-Ellyn met Mel Tucker when he was designated as the defensive coordinator at the University of South Florida. Since then, Jo-Ellyn has been by his side through thick and thin.

Who Is Brenda Tracy?

Brenda Tracy, mother of two, is a national advocate for ending sexual and interpersonal violence. She conducts seminars, discussing and bringing awareness about the plight of sexual assault victims and the sensitivity required to handle these cases.

However, the reason behind her initiative is quite a heart-wrenching story. Tracy was gang-r*ped by four football college players in 1998. She brought forth her case in 2014 after experiencing prior discouragement from the university to divulge any details. According to her recount, she immediately went to the hospital after being assaulted, but no substantial actions were taken to prosecute the perpetrators. Tracy mentioned in a 2018 interview–

“They are sending a very clear message — don’t report and don’t sue us.”

“I don’t know how anyone on campus would trust the university enough to go to their counseling center or to report an assault. They would just think the university is going to out them. It’s horrible. It goes to exactly why MSU is in trouble in the first place. It shows their culture exactly.”

After she came forward with her experience as a r*pe survivor, she became a national advocate for r*pe victims and advocates for their rights as a consultant. She founded a non-profit advocacy organization, Set The Expectation, as a means to provide a platform for the victims’ voices to be heard. Through this initiative, Tracy was first introduced to MSU’s campus in 2021.

Victim Brenda Tracy’s Accusations

Brenda Tracy accused MCU coach Mel Tucker on April 28, 2022. She alleged that Tucker made various sexual comments. But his worst conduct was when he masturbated without her consent. This incident happened while both were on call. The authorities called for a probe investigation into the matter.

Here’s what Michigan State Athletic Director Alan Haller said about the delay in action after the accusations surfaced–

However, Tucker’s account of the incident shows the flip side of the coin. According to Tucker’s rep, Brenda and Mel had a consensual affair, and the alleged call was a mutual phone sex situation. Tucker issued an official statement–

“Ms. Tracy’s distortion of our mutually consensual and intimate relationship into allegations of sexual exploitations has really affected me. I am not proud of my judgement and I am having difficulty forgiving myself for getting into this situation, but I did not engage in misconduct by any definition.”

Regardless of the “He-said, She-said,” Tucker’s wife Jo-Ellyn stood firm and supported him throughout this ordeal.

In the latest update, coach Mel Tucker has been suspended by the Michigan State University while the investigations are in progress.

Significant Arguments in The Case by Netizens

What is your verdict on this case? Do you think Mel Tucker is guilty of sexual assault? Or do you believe he had an affair with Brenda, and now she is twisting the tale?

Do let us know in the comments section below.