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Michigan State University has informed Mel Tucker of its plans to fire him ... just days after the suspended Spartans football coach was accused of sexual misconduct.

Rape survivor and activist Brenda Tracy recently claimed Tucker made unsolicited sexual comments and masturbated during an April 2022 phone call ... which led to a formal Title IX complaint and investigation.

Tucker was suspended on Sept. 10 ... and on Monday, the school announced its plans to terminate his contract for cause.

MSU Vice President Allen Haller said the decision has the support of the administration and board ... adding Tucker has been hit with a written notification of the plans to kick him to the curb.

Haller noted in the statement that Tucker now has seven days to plead his case and try to keep his job.

"This action does not conclude the ongoing Office for Civil Rights case; that rigorous process will continue," Haller said.

Tucker -- who signed a $95 million deal in 2021 -- has adamantly denied any wrongdoing ... admitting he had an intimate relationship with Tracy, but claimed she initiated the private convo with comments of her own.

He also said the allegations were simply an attempt to "revive her career" ... but it's clear the school felt otherwise.

Travis Hunter sustained a lacerated liver during a brutal late hit on Saturday during an epic in-state rivalry game with Colorado State ... and now the star cornerback/wide receiver will miss several games, at the least.

"I'm told Travis Hunter sustained a laceration of his liver," Skip Bayless announced on FS1's Undisputed on Monday, before saying it "should heal on its own in 3 to 4 weeks."

In fact, Colorado was so concerned over the injury to 20-year-old Hunter -- one of the most talented football players in college football -- he was hospitalized after the double-overtime victory so doctors could evaluate him.

The scary hit happened with just under 5 minutes remaining in the first quarter of the game ... with 18th-ranked Colorado trailing Colorado State, 14-7.

QB Shedeur Sanders tried to deliver a deep ball to a streaking, but well-covered Hunter. The ball was slightly overthrown. As the rock landed a few feet in front of Hunter, safety Henry Blackburn delivered a big, late (and arguably dirty) hit on Travis, who went down and was clearly in a lot of pain.

The official immediately threw a flag.

Hunter briefly returned to the game but didn't play in the second half.

Colorado ultimately won 43-35 ... but the play left a bad taste in the mouth of a lot of fans, including LeBron James.

"Like I don’t understand the difference between targeting and what I just witnessed. I’ve seen others get thrown out for far less. That was blatant and uncalled for IMO!" Bron wrote on social media.

Blackburn, a captain on the Col. St. team, has been catching hell online ... so much so he's deactivated comments on his Instagram.

As for Hunter's return, he'll likely miss the Oregon (9/23), USC (9/30) and Arizona State (10/7) games, at the least.

An Antonio Gates hasn't been in the NFL since the 2018 season ... but another could be on the way soon -- and, according to the Chargers legend himself, the next one could be better than the first!!

Gates tells TMZ Sports ... his boy -- Michigan State Univ. redshirt freshman receiver Antonio Gates Jr. -- has the goods to one day make it to the NFL, and be an even bigger star than he was once he arrives.

"I think so," Gates said out in Beverly Hills this week. "I really believe that."

So far, the younger Gates is still learning how to be effective on the collegiate level ... after not playing the entirety of the 2022 season, he's played sparingly in 2023.

But, the elder Gates said with all the resources at his disposal -- a transformation into a beast on the gridiron isn't far off.

"I can kind of give him the information that's important for him to be successful," Gates Sr. said. "So, he's got a great future ahead of him."

But, either way, Gates Sr. said he's a very proud Papa nonetheless.

Si Brett Favre tuviera las cosas a su manera, la carrera de Deion Sanders como entrenador habría sido muy diferente hasta este punto, le dijo a TMZ Sports que en realidad trató de conseguir el Salón de la Fama para hacerse cargo de Southern Miss antes de que aterrizara su juego en Jackson State.

La leyenda de los Packers dice que su reclutamiento de Sanders a su alma mater ocurrió hace unos años, cuando el hijo de Deion, Shedeur, era un estudiante de secundaria mirando potencialmente asistir a USM.

En ese momento, el entrenador de los Golden Eagles, Jay Hopson, acababa de dimitir y Favre dice que intentó por todos los medios que Prime ocupara el puesto vacante.

"Sabía que haría un gran trabajo", dijo Favre, que jugó con Sanders en Atlanta en la temporada 1991. "Sabía las cosas que necesitábamos en Southern Miss, él marcaba las casillas. Atención, entusiasmo, llevar a la gente a los asientos. Él habría hecho eso".

"Y, sabía que los jugadores le seguirían", añadió Favre. "Por no mencionar que habríamos tenido a su hijo, que probablemente será uno de los finalistas al Heisman este año".

Por supuesto, Deion nunca se hizo cargo de la USM y en su lugar acabó en la JSU, donde dominó durante dos años. Finalmente dejó Jackson por la Univ. de Colorado donde actualmente tiene a los Buffs en el puesto nº 18 del país.

If Brett Favre had things his way, Deion Sanders' coaching career would've looked a whole lot different to this point ... telling TMZ Sports he actually tried to get the Hall of Famer to take over at Southern Miss before he landed his Jackson State gig.

The Packers legend says his recruitment of Sanders to his alma mater happened a few years ago -- back when Deion's son, Shedeur, was a high schooler looking at potentially attending USM.

At the time, Golden Eagles head coach Jay Hopson had just resigned ... and Favre says he tried like hell to get Prime to fill the vacant role.

"I knew he would do a great job," said Favre, who played with Sanders in Atlanta in the 1991 season. "I knew the things that we needed at Southern Miss, he checked the boxes. Attention, enthusiasm, getting people in the seats. He would've done that."

"And, I knew players would follow him," Favre added. "Not to mention, we'd have gotten his son, who's probably going to be one of the Heisman finalists this year."

Of course, Deion never took over at USM ... and instead, he ended up at JSU, where he dominated for two years. He ultimately left Jackson for the Univ. of Colorado -- where he's currently got the Buffs ranked No. 18 in the country.

Talk about adding insult to injury -- 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was forced to rep his college rival after Iowa State lost to George Kittle's Iowa last weekend ... showing up to his media availability decked out in a Hawkeyes mascot head!!

The pair of Niners teammates placed a friendly wager when their alma maters faced off Saturday against each other ... and, unfortunately for Purdy, the Cyclones lost, 20-13.

Purdy -- who went to Iowa State for four seasons -- held up his end of the deal at Thursday's press conference ... rocking a big Herky the Hawk head as he took the stage.

The whole room thought it was amusing ... and Kittle thanked Hawkeyes staffers for getting the mascot head to SF.

"Go hawks @HawkeyeFootball @brockpurdy13," the tight end said on X. "Shoutout @TylerBarnesIOWA for getting this herky out to cali!"

Kittle also joined in on the fun ... throwing on his former mascot's head as well.

Purdy isn't the only NFL QB taking Ls by placing bets on his former college team -- Aaron Rodgers had to wear Auburn gear after Cal lost to teammate C.J. Uzomah's Tigers.

Jermaine O'Neal's one of the greatest Pacers ever, rocking number 7 during his 8 seasons in Indiana ... so when the 6x NBA All-Star found out Buddy Hield was switching numbers and wearing his old digit, O'Neal admitted he was bummed!

"I love Buddy and the work that he puts in. My statement has nothing to do with him," Jermaine wrote, providing a caveat for what would follow.

"It is disappointing to watch teams every year recognize and celebrate the players who have been the franchise's very best players on and off the court but yet Pacers don't. It's been confusing and disappointing to say the least!"

It's all a reaction to Hield, a former first-round draft pick (2016) who joined the Pacers in 2022, deciding to change numbers from 24 to 7.

Hield wore 24 with the Pelicans, Kings, and even Indiana last season. He also rocked 7 at Oklahoma, where he was one of the best players in the country.

During his time with the Pacers (2000-2008), O'Neal was a force on the court. He made 6 All-Star teams as a member of the Pacers, averaging nearly 19 points a game throughout his tenure with the team.

Earlier this year, the Indy Star compiled a list of the greatest players in the team's more than 55-year history, going back to the ABA in the mid-1960s ... and O'Neal was ranked 5th all-time.

Only two modern players were above Jermaine, Reggie Miller at 1, and Paul George at 4. Old timers Mel Daniels (2) and George McGinnis (3) rounded out the top 5.

Some lists even have O'Neal as high as the second greatest in organizational history, behind Reggie.

Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell just fired off a shot at Deion Sanders as the two get set to square off this weekend ... throwing a barb at Coach Prime over the way he rocks his hat and sunglasses.

The Rams honcho tossed the shade on his weekly radio show Wednesday night ... when talking about how he and his team were doing interviews in the buildup to Saturday's CSU vs. Colorado matchup.

"I sat down with ESPN today," Norvell said. "I don't care if they hear it in Boulder. I told them, I took my hat off and I took my glasses off. I said when I talk to grown-ups, I take my hat off and my glasses off. That's what my mother taught me."

Of course, Deion is notorious for keeping on his shades and cap at almost all times ... even when he's speaking with reporters on TV. Norvell's comments were clearly a dig at that look.

So far, the Dallas Cowboys legend hasn't responded -- at least not directly -- but you can bet he'll be using it as bulletin board material for his Buffs squad regardless.

After all, CU's 2-0 start this season has largely been fueled by the perception that they're not getting respect nationally. In fact, the Buffs made it no secret that some comments and pregame actions made by Nebraska coach Matt Rhule helped them score a win over the Huskers last weekend.

Kickoff for the Rams vs. Buffs game is at 7 PM. Colorado's currently a 23.5-point favorite ... though that might certainly change after Norvell's poke at the bear.

Jalen Hurts, Angel Reese and Ronald Acuña Jr. got 'Next' ... 'cause the star athletes were just named to a prestigious Time magazine list naming the future leaders of the world!

The "100Next" list, compiled by Time, recognizes the "100 emerging leaders from around the world who are shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership" ... from sports stars to scientists.

Hurts -- who earned the cover spot on the magazine (there are also versions with singer/songwriter Kelsea Ballerini and Chef Mory Sacko) -- along with Reese, and Acuña Jr. are three of seven athletes to grace the list.

21-year-old Reese led the LSU Tigers women's basketball team to their first National Championship last year ... making history along the way with 34 double-doubles. Hoops great Candace Parker wrote about Angel for Time ... and she phrased it perfectly.

"Angel Reese is having more than just a moment. She’s just getting started."

As for 25-year-old Acuna Jr., the Braves star is the overwhelming favorite for National League MVP ... and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera believes Ronald could be one of the best ever.

"Ronald? He has a great chance of becoming the best Venezuelan-born baseball player ever. It’s as simple as that," Venezulean-born Cabrera wrote for Time.

Let that sink in ... better than Cabrera. The Cabrera that's hit 510 home runs, made 12 All-Star teams, won 2 AL MVPs and a Triple Crown in 2012. Oh, he's also a World Series champ.

With Acuna, Miggy says it's more than just numbers.

"Ronald is more than just his statistics. He is the kind of player that fans pay to watch play. He can change the game with a single hit, his defense, or his baserunning."

As for Jalen, he's one of the best football players in the league ... and is expected to be in the mix for yet another trip to the Super Bowl this season. Hurts was paid very handsomely in the offseason ... signing a $255 million extension.

Peyton Manning, writing for Time, heaped praise on the Eagles QB.

"He’s not celebrating. He doesn’t see it as a reward. He sees it for what it is: the Eagles are paying him for what they expect him to do now," Manning said.

"He’s a model of how to approach a job. This is where the hard work begins."

USWNT's Sophia Smith, American golfer Rose Zhang, Indian cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, and Spanish soccer star Salma Paralluelo were the other athletes who earned a spot on the list.

Former Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic player Brandon Hunter has died, Ohio men's basketball coach Jeff Boals said Tuesday. He was just 42 years old.

Hunter -- a standout high school hoops player in Cincinnati -- was a star forward for the Bobcats, earning three first-team All-MAC conference selections and leading the NCAA in rebounding his senior season ... before being taken with the 56th overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft.

He played 67 games over two seasons in the Association ... scoring a career-high 17 points against the Milwaukee Bucks in 2004.

Hunter had an extensive career overseas as well ... suiting up for numerous international clubs from 2006-13 in Greece, Italy, Puerto Rico and more.

Hunter got into coaching, real estate and sports management following his playing days.

"RIP to a Bobcat Great," Boals said on Instagram minutes ago. "Gone way too soon."

Ex-NBA point guard T.J. Ford also addressed Hunter's passing on social media ... saying, "We just spoke last week. Losing a lot of my friends lately."

Details surrounding Hunter's death have not been released.

Suspended Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker is breaking his silence amid an investigation into sexual harassment claims made by rape survivor and activist Brenda Tracy ... calling her complaint an attempt to "revive her career."

Tracy is accusing Tucker of making unwanted sexual comments and masturbating during an April 2022 phone call ... months after the two developed a personal friendship.

Tracy has since filed a Title IX complaint with the university ... detailing how the call resulted in her re-visiting her previous trauma.

Tucker was suspended without pay after the allegations went public ... and now, he's going scorched earth on Tracy and the investigation.

"Brenda Tracy's allegations of harassment are completely false," Tucker said in a lengthy statement. "The proceedings initiated by Ms. Tracy are devoid of any semblance of fairness for any matter of this importance, and the University's 'hearing' scheduled for October 5-6 is so flawed that there is no other opportunity for the truth to come out. That is why I share some truth with you now."

Tucker admits he developed an "intimate, adult relationship" with Tracy following her first visit to MSU in the summer of 2021 ... adding they would have late-night phone calls numerous times and disclose private information about each other, but noting she would initiate many of those conversations.

The coach -- who signed a huge, 10-year, $95 million deal in 2021 -- acknowledges the April 2022 call happened ... but said it was a "mutual, private event between two adults living at opposite ends of the country," and claims Tracy initiated the adult convo by making comments about what she would look like without clothes on.

Tucker claims Tracy welcomed their developed relationship ... requesting and accepting personal gifts, payments and donations to her non-profit. He also said Tracy went on to maintain communication with him, wishing him a happy Father's Day two months later.

Tucker also refutes Tracy's claim he canceled her scheduled appearance at the school following the phone call ... saying he was simply postponing it due to conflicts.

The most eye-opening part of Tucker's response, though, is when the coach suggests his potential firing could be used to make up for the school's mishandling of the Larry Nassar scandal.

"The investigation has not been fair or unbiased," Tucker continued. "I can only conclude that there is an ulterior motive designed to terminate my contract based on some other factor such as a desire to avoid any Nasser taint, or my race or gender."

He added ... "Ms. Tracy's attorney told us from the very beginning that I should not lose my job over her allegations, but that it would take a lot of money to make it go away. Her twisting of our personal relationship months after it concluded is designed to revive her career and destroy my life, precipitated by her greed."

The University of Alabama says it's outraged after a fan was heard yelling racist remarks and homophobic slurs at Texas players during their game on Sunday ... telling TMZ Sports it's flat-out "disgusted" by the behavior.

The disturbing shouts were captured on video at some point during the Longhorns' 34-24 victory over the Crimson Tide on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

In the footage, you can hear one man behind the UT bench shouting the anti-gay f-word repeatedly at a trio of Longhorns who were dancing on their sideline during the win.

The man also can be heard in the clip screaming for the players, who are Black, to "go back to the projects."

The three Longhorns players -- defensive backs X'Avion Brice and Jelani McDonald, and running back Quintrevion Wisner -- have yet to comment publicly on the footage ... though Wisner's mother said in a statement on X that she was heartbroken over the situation.

"The fact my son down there and they saying go back to the projects really just saddens my heart that as his mother no matter how old he had to listen to that!" Angie Wisner said.

"Love you Son!  But, the parents went through this all night! Beer cans thrown at us, water bottles, spit! Disgrace."

As for Alabama, the university slammed the fan's actions in a scathing statement on Monday afternoon.

"We are disgusted by reports of vile language and inappropriate behavior Saturday night," the statement read. "To be clear, we condemn this behavior, and it will not be tolerated in our venues. It is not representative of UA or our values."

"We expect all attendees to act with class and respect toward others. Fans are strongly encouraged to report issues to our security resources on-site."

"Gameday and delayed reports are appropriately addressed, and anyone found to be in violation of our rules and expectations is promptly removed and may be banned from future events."

Cal's loss to Auburn on Saturday stung in more ways than one for Aaron Rodgers ... 'cause it appeared he and his Jets teammate had a wager on the game -- one that resulted in the quarterback having to reluctantly wear some Tigers gear on Sunday.

The Golden Bears -- who Rodgers played for from 2003 to 2004 -- fell to Auburn, 14-10, in Berkeley ... and it seems Rodgers had a bet with C.J. Uzomah over it all ... 'cause roughly 24 hours after the L, the signal-caller was seen in the NY locker room with a whole lot of of orange on.

Uzomah, who played for the Tigers from 2011 to 2014, filmed Rodgers' surprising 'fit ... and his chuckle and comments on the vid indicated he got the best of Rodgers in a gamble on the game.

"Aaron," he said in the clip, "you love it. Say, 'War Eagle.' Just one time."

Rodgers, decked out in an AU cap and a War Eagle shirt, refused to do so ... shaking his head while giving his tight end a thumbs down.

Auburn loved the video so much ... the school even re-shared Uzomah's clip on its IG page.

"The newest fan of Auburn Football 🤣" AU wrote. "Sorry @aaronrodgers12, looks like @cj_uzomah won this one 👀."

Ricky Williams was one of the best running backs of his era ... but he says he had the potential to dominate in a completely different sport -- the former Miami Dolphins standout tells TMZ Sports he could have been an All-Star if he pursued a career on the baseball diamond!!

Before he made his way to the NFL gridiron, Ricky -- whose legal name is now Errick Miron -- played several seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies' farm system while juggling his time with the Texas Longhorns football team.

Ricky -- an 8th-round pick to the Phils in the '95 MLB Amateur Draft -- was an outfielder for the organization's rookie league and Single-A teams for four years ... and footage of one of his early games actually exists!!

So when we caught up with Ricky last week, we asked if he's ever wondered how things would've panned out had he switched his focus to baseball ... and he believes he had the skills to hang with the big leaguers.

"I wouldn't say I was great, I had a lot of potential," Ricky told us. "I love to get better at things. If I would have devoted my full time to baseball, I would have been an All-Star baseball player."

So, what led him to football instead of baseball?? A pretty understandable reason.

"It's a fantasy, but the reality is I'm kind of the person where 162 games -- that's too much for me.

"Football is intense, but you got a nice offseason. That's more my speed."

Safe to say it all worked out -- Ricky won the Heisman Trophy in 1998 ... and went on to rush for more than 10,000 yards in his career.

Ricky Williams fue uno de los mejores corredores de su época, pero dice que tenía el potencial para dominar en un deporte completamente diferente. El ex jugador de los Miami Dolphins le comentó a TMZ Sports que podría haber sido una estrella si hubiera comenzado una carrera en el béisbol.

Antes de forjar su camino en la NFL, Ricky —cuyo nombre legal es ahora Errick Miron— jugó varias temporadas con los Filis de Filadelfia, mientras hacía malabares con su tiempo con el equipo de fútbol de Texas Longhorns.

Ricky, elegido en la octava ronda del Draft de Aficionados de la MLB de 1995, fue jardinero de los equipos de la liga de novatos y de la liga Single-A durante cuatro años... ¡¡y existen imágenes de uno de sus primeros partidos!

Así que cuando nos pusimos al día con Ricky la semana pasada, le preguntamos si alguna vez se había preguntado cómo habrían ido las cosas si hubiera cambiado su enfoque al béisbol ... y él cree que tenía las habilidades para estar con los grandes jugadores de liga.

"No diría que era genial, pero tenía mucho potencial", nos dijo Ricky. "Me encanta mejorar. Si me hubiera dedicado a tiempo completo al béisbol, habría sido un jugador de béisbol All-Star".

Entonces, ¿qué le llevó al fútbol en lugar del béisbol? Una razón bastante comprensible.

"Es una fantasía, pero la realidad es que soy una persona en la que 162 partidos... eso es demasiado para mí.

"El fútbol es intenso, pero tienes una buena temporada baja. Ese es más mi ritmo".

Ricky ganó el Trofeo Heisman en 1998 y llegó a correr más de 10.000 yardas en su carrera.

Shannon Sharpe tells TMZ Sports he's absolutely fired up for Deion Sanders and his Buffaloes, saying he hasn't seen something more popular in Colorado since weed was legalized there!!!

We got the NFL legend out at LAX just days after Coach Prime's squad shocked TCU ... and he told us he's pumped to see what's going down in the state he called home for more than a decade during his playing days.

"I haven't heard people talk about Colorado so much since weed was legalized," the 55-year-old said.

"I'm excited for him, I'm excited for the program," Sharpe continued. "Obviously, everybody knows I spent 12 years in Colorado so I'm excited for Time and what he's bringing to the table."

Sharpe and Deion have a long history together ... they battled on NFL fields for years -- and in retirement, they've become super close. In fact, this past offseason, the two sat down together for a podcast ... where they exchanged plenty of jokes and laughs.

All that being said, though, Sharpe still isn't sure the Buffs are quite ready to be considered a national championship contender just yet.

"I think they're a couple of years away from that," he said, "but I'm excited for what they're doing right now."