ANN ARBOR, Mich: Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore has been charged with stalking and felony home invasion after allegedly forcing his way into a woman’s apartment following his dismissal from the program, prosecutors said Friday.
According to court filings, Moore, 39, entered the woman’s residence without permission and threatened to take his own life after she reported their long-term affair to university authorities, a disclosure that ultimately led to his firing.
Moore faces three criminal charges, including felony home invasion and stalking. Prosecutors said the relationship lasted several years before the woman ended it earlier this week. Afterward, Moore allegedly bombarded her with calls and messages, which she ignored before cooperating with a university investigation.
Shortly after Michigan terminated Moore’s employment for what it described as an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member,” he allegedly went to the woman’s apartment, retrieved kitchen knives and scissors, and made repeated threats to harm himself.
Prosecutors quoted Moore as saying: “I’m going to kill myself. I’m going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You’ve ruined my life.” The woman was described in court as being “terrorized” by the incident.
Moore entered a not-guilty plea through a court magistrate and was released on a $25,000 bond. Conditions of his release include no contact with the woman, wearing a GPS monitoring device, remaining in Michigan, abstaining from alcohol, and undergoing a further mental health evaluation. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 22.
Defense attorney Joe Simon said Moore was hospitalized for a mental health assessment following his arrest and insisted there was no evidence that he posed a broader threat. “He will absolutely comply with the court’s orders,” Simon said.
The court hearing took place just miles from Michigan Stadium, where Moore coached his final game against Ohio State on Nov. 29. Moore, who is married with three children, had signed a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually last year. Under the terms of that agreement, the university is not required to pay a buyout because he was fired for cause.
Moore, previously Michigan’s offensive coordinator, was promoted to head coach after the Wolverines won the national championship, replacing Jim Harbaugh, who departed for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers.
Michigan is scheduled to face No. 14 Texas in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31. Biff Poggi will serve as interim head coach as the university begins its search for a permanent replacement. The scandal has raised concerns about potential player transfers and hesitation among donors who support NIL and revenue-sharing initiatives.
WorldAffairs’s Note: This story includes references to suicide. If you or someone you know needs help in the United States, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988, or via online chat at 988lifeline.org.
-Andrea Lawder
