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Mat Ishbia and UWM sued by Brenda Tracy, ex-MSU coach Mel Tucker's accuser
TL;DR
Brenda Tracy, who accused ex-MSU coach Mel Tucker of sexual harassment, is suing United Wholesale Mortgage and CEO Mat Ishbia for allegedly interfering with the investigation. The lawsuit follows Tracy's claims that Tucker engaged in non-consensual phone sex during a call in December 2021.
Brenda Tracy, who accused former Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker of sexual harassment, is suing United Wholesale Mortgage and CEO Mat Ishbia.
The lawsuit, first reported by Crain's Detroit Business, accuses UWM and Ishbia of interfering with the investigation into Tucker's alleged behavior.
As part of a USA TODAY investigation, Tracy in 2023 accused Tucker of sexual harassment related to a December 2021 phone call. According to Tracy, a professional advocate for sexual assault victims, Tucker masturbated on the phone during their conversation without Tracy's consent, though Tucker maintains the phone sex was consensual.
ON THE FIELD: Michigan State football must vacate wins for NCAA violations in Mel Tucker era
Tucker was fired shortly after the USA TODAY story was released. Tracy later sued Tucker for defamation, but the lawsuit against Tucker was thrown out by an Ingham County judge in January. Tucker sued for wrongful termination against MSU arguing that he is owed his remaining salary; that lawsuit is still pending.
This new lawsuit adds to the list of legal complaints related to the Tucker saga, and adds a new complaint against Ishbia and UWM.
Tracy accuses Ishbia of interference
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker, right, hands back a signed football for fans on Saturday, April 16, 2022, during the spring game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. At left is honorary captain Brenda Tracy, sexual violence prevention educator.
Tracy accuses Ishbia and UWM executives of using "donor-connected access and aligned counsel [to insert] themselves into a matter that was none of their business.” The lawsuit names nine different allegations, including invasion of privacy and a violation of Michigan's Consumer Protection Act, accusing Ishbia of keeping tabs on the investigation to help protect Michigan State's brand.
Ishbia, who has been CEO of UWM since 2013, was a walk-on on Michigan State's 2000 national championship team, graduated from Michigan State in 2002 and has been a longtime donor to MSU's athletic program. He is also the majority owner of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, which he purchased in a $4 billion deal in 2022.
The lawsuit alleges David Zacks, UWM's former general counsel, received information via email about the investigation into Tucker from Tucker's lawyers.
“Ishbia and UWM had a direct corporate stake in communications sent to or through Zacks because the emails and related electronic records belonged to UWM and were created, received, maintained, or routed through UWM systems while Zacks was serving as UWM’s General Counsel,” the lawsuit reads. Tracy accuses Ishbia of using the information Zacks received to "influence the process from outside."
Zacks died on May 10, 2024, at 67.
Tracy seeks a jury trial and damages in excess of $25,000. A statement from UWM given to Crain's calls the lawsuit "totally fabricated and unfounded."
Mat Ishbia lawsuits
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia discusses the firing of coach Mike Budenholzer and the future of the club at PHX Arena in Phoenix on April 17, 2025.
This isn't the only major lawsuit that Ishbia is currently facing.
Two Suns minority owners sued Ishbia in August 2025 for financial mismanagement, accusing Ishbia of using the Suns as his "personal piggy bank." Ishbia has denied the accusations, with the two owners and Ishbia agreeing to settle the case in private mediation.
Ishbia on April 1 was also called to testify in a UWM lawsuit against Atlantic Trust Mortgage, which UWM lawyers are looking to block. Judge Terrence Berg has threatened to hold UWM in contempt of court if Ishbia doesn't testify in the case.
This story is breaking and will be updated.
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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mat Ishbia sued by Brenda Tracy, former MSU coach Mel Tucker's accuser
Q&A
What are the allegations against Mel Tucker made by Brenda Tracy?
Brenda Tracy alleges that Mel Tucker engaged in non-consensual phone sex during a December 2021 call, where he masturbated without her consent.
Why is Brenda Tracy suing Mat Ishbia and United Wholesale Mortgage?
Brenda Tracy is suing Mat Ishbia and UWM for allegedly interfering with the investigation into her claims against Mel Tucker.
What was the outcome of Brenda Tracy's defamation lawsuit against Mel Tucker?
Brenda Tracy's defamation lawsuit against Mel Tucker was dismissed by an Ingham County judge in January.
What legal actions has Mel Tucker taken against Michigan State University?
Mel Tucker has filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination against Michigan State University, claiming he is owed his remaining salary, which is still pending.
