Michigan’s investigation into Sherrone Moore scandal could lead to more firings, president admits in bombshell statement to students
The University of Michigan’s wide-ranging investigation into Sherrone Moore’s alleged misconduct could lead to more employment terminations, president Domenico Grasso has told students in a rare address.
Speaking from his office in a video message posted online, the school’s interim president opened up on the ‘challenging time’ that has seen the former Wolverines football coach thrown behind bars after an alleged knife attack and affair scandal.
On a wild week, Moore, 39, was fired as head coach last Wednesday due to an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a staff member, before police arrested him over an alleged assault just hours later.
The married father-of-three is accused of breaking into the Ann Arbor home of his executive assistant, Paige Shiver, with a knife before engaging in a verbal argument with the unnamed victim that quickly escalated. He also allegedly threatened to harm himself during the terrifying incident.
After allegedly fleeing the apartment, he was eventually arrested at a church parking lot in a neighboring town. Moore, who is charged with breaking and entering, home invasion and stalking, then spent Wednesday and Thursday night in jail before he was granted a $25,000 bond and released Friday morning.
With Moore now awaiting his fate, Michigan president Grasso has spoken out to confirm that more heads could roll, with Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block currently conducting an in-depth review of the athletic department.
Sherrone Moore has been charged with breaking and entering, home invasion and stalking
University of Michigan interim president Domenico Grasso addressed students Wednesday
After a series of controversies and scandals over the past few years, a full dive into the program’s culture, conduct and procedures has been ordered – and Grasso was keen to reassure students that ‘no stone will be left unturned.’
‘We will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that conduct like this does not happen again,’ Grasso, who took over as interim president in May, said.
‘Make no mistake. We will leave no stone unturned, and any further action we take will be based on credible evidence and findings, developed through a rigorous investigation.
‘If the university learns of information through this investigation or otherwise that warrants a termination of any employee, we will act swiftly, just as we did in the case of Coach Moore.’
He also went on to urge students with any information to contact Jenner & Block, as the school focuses on ‘uncovering the facts’.
The fired Michigan coach is accused of breaking into the home of his executive assistant Paige Shiver (left) with a knife and terrorizing an unnamed woman
Moore, pictured with wife Kelli, also allegedly threatened to kill himself during the incident
‘It is my job, my duty, to ensure the integrity of this investigation,’ he added.
In his address to students, Grasso also mentioned the search for the next Michigan head coach, after Biff Poggi was installed as interim coach ahead of an upcoming bowl game against Texas on December 31.
‘We will hire an individual who is of the highest moral character and who will serve as a role model and a respected leader for the entire football program,’ Grasso said.
‘And who will, with dignity and integrity, be a fierce competitor.’
If convicted, Moore could face up to six-and-a-half years in jail after being charged with felony third-degree home invasion and misdemeanors of breaking and entering and stalking. He has pled not guilty.
After bonding out on Friday, he put on a brave face in public with his wife and youngest child on Sunday despite his alleged affair being outed.
The married father-of-three was fired by Michigan over an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a staffer earlier in the day
The 911 call reporting the alleged assault was made from an apartment belonging to Shiver
Moore rose through the ranks at Michigan after being hired by now-NFL coach Jim Harbaugh in 2018, climbing from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator and helping the Wolverines to the 2023 National Championship title.
He was then named head coach for the past two seasons following Harbaugh’s departure to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Harbaugh revealed on Tuesday that he last saw his good friend in early December, before adding: ‘But I have texted him.’
‘It’s a tragedy, so [these are] the worst days of his life,’ he continued on the Dan Patrick show. ‘[I told him] keep it together and take care of your family, that’s the message. Getting spiritual guidance is really critical.’
