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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Sherrone Moore, the former University of Michigan football coach, is facing a legal battle after being dismissed from his position. His attorney, Ellen Michaels, firmly declared Moore’s innocence on Thursday and announced plans to pursue the dismissal of the charges against him, including home invasion.
The charges stem from an incident on December 10, when authorities allege that Moore entered the apartment of a woman, who was part of the football staff, and blamed her for his job loss earlier that day. During the confrontation, Moore reportedly armed himself with butter knives and kitchen scissors, threatening to harm himself.
The university’s athletic director, in a letter explaining Moore’s termination, cited his personal relationship with the woman and dishonesty during the investigation as reasons for his dismissal. This relationship and subsequent actions have placed Moore at the center of this unfolding legal situation.
During a court appearance on Thursday, Michaels expressed confidence in her client’s innocence, stating that a motion had been filed to quash the arrest warrant. She emphasized to the press, “This warrant was issued based on false and misleading statements presented as facts. We’re confident the truth will come out in court under oath, where it belongs.”
“This warrant was issued based on false and misleading statements presented as facts,” Michaels said. “We’re confident the truth will come out in court under oath where it belongs.”
Michaels didn’t elaborate on the disputed statements and directed reporters to a court filing that wasn’t immediately available. Without the statements, she said, “there would be no probable cause for these charges.”
Moore, 39, faces three charges, including felony home invasion and stalking. He has pleaded not guilty and must wear a tracking device while free on bond. He stood nearby while Michaels spoke outside the courthouse but declined to comment.
Washtenaw County assistant prosecutor Kati Rezmierski told the judge that she had just received Michaels’ court filing. Judge Cedric Simpson set the next hearing for Feb. 17.
When the charges were filed on Dec. 12, Rezmierski said the woman involved in the case cooperated with the university investigating the affair after she ended it with Moore. The prosecutor quoted Moore as telling the woman, “My blood is on your hands.”
Moore arrived at the courthouse with his wife, Kelli and waited in an adjacent courtroom for his case to be called. More than 20 members of the news media were on hand for the hearing.
Moore coached the Wolverines for two seasons as the successor to Jim Harbaugh, who won a national championship before quitting to become coach of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers.
Kyle Whittingham, who coached Utah for two decades, is the new Michigan coach.
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