The scandal surrounding former University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore has deepened, with five women now alleging a series of awkward and erratic exchanges with him in the years and days leading up to his dramatic arrest and firing.
New Allegations Surface from Multiple Women
According to a new report from The Athletic, five women have come forward anonymously with claims about their uncomfortable interactions with Moore. While the allegations do not accuse the 39-year-old married father-of-three of illegal conduct, they span five years and portray him as acting unpredictably.
Three of the women reportedly work in sports media, while another was a social connection with mutual friends. Their accounts include receiving unsolicited direct messages on social media, often in response to their Instagram stories with emojis like fire or clapping hands. One woman claimed she initially believed Moore's account was fake when he messaged her on November 1, the same day his team defeated Purdue.
In one particularly cringeworthy alleged exchange detailed in the report, Moore offered to fly a woman to Michigan to see him. When she queried if she would be "holed up in some hotel," he is claimed to have replied, "I guess we will have to see ! I would say yes but you would also have a driver haha. We will go into that detail later."
The Criminal Case and Downfall
These new claims follow Moore's serious legal troubles. He was arrested in December and charged with breaking and entering, home invasion, and stalking after allegedly entering the apartment of his executive assistant, Paige Shiver. Police records indicate the incident occurred hours after Michigan had dismissed him as head coach for an "inappropriate relationship" with a staff member.
Moore spent two nights in jail before being released on a $25,000 bond. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to six years in prison.
The Athletic also reports that in the days before his firing, Moore's behaviour became increasingly volatile within the football programme, including sobbing in staff meetings and lashing out at his coaches.
Legal Defence and Fallout for Michigan Football
Moore's lawyer, Ellen Michaels, responded to the criminal charges in a statement to The Athletic. "Sherrone Moore denies any criminal wrongdoing," Michaels said. "There is no history of domestic violence, no prior adjudication supporting claims of dangerous conduct, and no judicial determination validating these allegations. This matter will be decided in court based on evidence and due process, not speculation."
Moore has not spoken publicly since his arrest, though he was photographed with his wife, Kelli, who is believed to be standing by him. The fallout within the Michigan Wolverines football programme has begun, with offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey announcing his departure to join the University of Missouri.
The Wolverines, who finished the season with a 9–3 record, will now be led into their upcoming bowl game by interim head coach Biff Poggi, as the institution grapples with the aftermath of the scandal that has engulfed its former coach.
