Ex-Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore Faces Sentencing for Misdemeanours Following Firing
Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on Tuesday, facing misdemeanour charges related to a confrontation with his executive assistant that occurred shortly after his dismissal for having an inappropriate relationship with her.
Plea and Potential Penalties
Moore pleaded no contest in March to charges of trespassing and malicious use of a telecommunications device. The maximum penalty for these misdemeanours could reach up to six months in jail. However, with no prior criminal record, the judge has significant discretion in determining the sentence, potentially allowing Moore to avoid custody.
Background of the Case
Moore, 40, was fired on December 10 after serving as head coach of the Wolverines for two seasons, succeeding Jim Harbaugh following his move to the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers. His dismissal from one of college football's most prestigious programs was described as stunning.
On the same day as his firing, Moore was accused of confronting the woman with whom he had been having an affair, blaming her for his termination, and even threatening to harm himself with butter knives in her apartment. Authorities noted that the woman had ended the affair and reported it to school officials.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Initially, Moore faced a felony charge of home invasion along with two additional charges. However, Washtenaw County prosecutors reached a plea deal, resulting in Moore pleading no contest to two misdemeanours, while the felony charge was dropped.
This agreement came after defense lawyer Ellen Michaels indicated plans to aggressively challenge the methods used by police to gather information for the arrest warrant. Moore did not harm himself during the incident and was peacefully arrested in a parking lot away from the woman's apartment.
Note: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, resources such as the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. are available by calling or texting 988, or through online chat at 988lifeline.org.
