The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1543845
APRIL 2026 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 9 BY ANTHONY BROOME D isgraced former head football coach Sherrone Moore agreed to a deal on March 6 that saw him plead no contest to two new misdemeanor charges in ex- change for a previous felony count and two separate misdemeanors being dropped. Moore, who was fired on Dec. 10, 2025, after U-M was provided evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, agreed to plead no contest to malicious use of a telecommunications device and one count of trespass. The felony count of third-degree home invasion was dis- missed as part of the deal. After his firing, Moore drove to the staffer's apartment and entered the home, with the victim telling police he grabbed a butter knife and threatened to harm him- self. Earlier in the day, she had disclosed the relationship to the school that led to his firing. A no-contest plea means that a defen- dant accepts the conviction but does not plead or admit guilt in the matter, some- thing that Moore's camp acknowledged is based on civil liability and the possibility of a civil lawsuit in the future. Sentencing is set for 2 p.m. on April 14. The malicious use of a device charge is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, while the trespassing charge is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. "From the beginning, we maintained the felony stalking charge and the enter- ing without permission charge — all the charges against Mr. Moore — were not supported by facts and law," his attor- ney, Ellen Michaels, said after the hearing. "After the court granted our motion for [the March 6] hearing, and the omissions in the detectives' affidavit were exam- ined, those charges have been dismissed. "The dismissal of those charges vali- dates the concerns we raised about the investigation from the very beginning. Mr. Moore is pleased to put this behind him and move forward." Hours after the case, through a state- ment from her lawyers, Paige Shiver pub- licly identified herself for the first time as the woman involved in the two-year affair. The statement from Shiver's represen- tation asserts that action is warranted by the university, and that she thinks others may have been victims of similar conduct over the years. "This case is about far more than one terrifying incident," Andrew M. Stroth and Steven A. Hart, two Chicago-based lawyers, said in the statement. "It raises urgent and troubling questions about how a powerful figure within a major univer- sity athletic program was able to engage in years of inappropriate conduct toward a subordinate without meaningful inter- vention or oversight. "Our client believes strongly that she may not be the only person who experi- enced inappropriate, coercive, or preda- tory behavior from this individual." Police records indicate that Moore ad- mitted to a romantic relationship with Shiver, but that he denies assaulting or threatening her. Her representation says what happened in the apartment that day "left our client fearful for her safety and deeply traumatized." Additional comments were made by one of her lawyers after the fact, reiterat- ing that accountability is needed by those in power at U-M. "The University of Michigan is one of the most well-regarded institutions in the world, yet they have an athletic depart- ment that has a pattern and practice of systemic failures," Stroth told the Detroit Free Press. "Our pursuit on behalf of Ms. Shiver is to get some level of accountabil- ity and justice so this doesn't happen to other individuals." The March 6 statement by Shiver's rep- resentation calls on university leadership and the Board of Regents to take action to restore trust in the institution. "Our client came forward at tremen- dous personal cost because she believes that silence allows abuse of power to continue," the statement read. "Her hope is that by speaking out, others who may have been intimidated into remaining quiet will find the strength to share their experiences as well." Michigan's athletics department is cur- rently under investigation by the Jenner & Block law firm for its culture and han- dling of recent scandals. The Free Press reported on Feb. 20 that U-M has paid the firm $2 million for its work, a number ex- pected to rise until the work is concluded and the investigation is wrapped up. ❑ ❱ Inside Michigan ATHLETICS Sherrone Moore Reaches Plea Deal, Ex-Assistant Wants Accountability Moore, who was fired by U-M on Dec. 10, 2025, pleaded no contest to malicious use of a telecommunications device and one count of trespass. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL