Dave Portnoy has taken to social media in a fiery defense of Michigan, following the dramatic firing and subsequent arrest of Sherrone Moore. His outspoken rant included jabs at rival Ohio State and even drew comparisons to infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.

The Barstool Sports founder expressed confidence in the Wolverines’ future, proclaiming that the team is in a “better place” and that “the world is our oyster,” despite the recent turmoil surrounding their head football coach.

Moore, 39, who is a married father of three, found himself behind bars on Wednesday night. The shocking developments began with his dismissal over an alleged affair with a staff member, and later escalated to an arrest on accusations of assault at an apartment complex in Ann Arbor.

The university revealed it had discovered evidence of an “inappropriate relationship with a staffer.” Within hours of this revelation, Moore found himself at the Washtenaw County Jail, having lost his lucrative $6 million-a-year position.

This unfolding drama has sent shockwaves through the college football world, leaving Michigan urgently seeking a replacement head coach as they prepare for their upcoming Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas.

But Wolverines fan Portnoy insisted: ‘I think Michigan football is in a better place tonight than it was this morning,’ he wrote on X. 

Dave Portnoy has defended Michigan following the firing – and arrest – of Sherrone Moore 

Michigan football coach Moore, pictured with wife Kelli, was taken into police custody hours after he was fired from his job as police investigated an alleged assault

Portnoy’s rant included digs at rival Ohio State and references to serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer

‘Lots of great candidates [for the role]. Best job in the game. The world is our oyster. Just gotta make the right decision.’

He also said he was ‘proud to be a Michigan Wolverine’ over the way the school handled the affair.

‘On a serious note there have been a lot of schools over the years who have looked the other way with scandals. I’d just like to say I’m proud that Michigan refused to do the same. 

‘Sherrone broke the moral code and it cost him his job. It’s a hard lesson but it’s the Michigan Man Way. Leaders and best for a reason. Proud to be a Michigan Wolverine tonight.’

Portnoy was called out for his comments, given the alleged assault that led to Moore being put behind bars. But he hit back with a dig at Ohio State and a reference to Dahmer, the notorious serial killer who murdered 17 young men and boys between 1978 and 1991.

‘He was not our football coach [at the time of the assault],’ Portnoy insisted. ‘He was fired beforehand. You don’t hear me holding OSU responsible for Jeffrey Dahmer even though he went to school there. (Naturally).’

The Barstool boss couldn’t resist another dig at the Wolverines’ rival, Ohio State, despite the scandal engulfing Michigan. Earlier this season, Ryan Day’s team – the No 2-ranked team in the country – finally beat Michigan after four straight losses dating back to 2019.

‘I’ll say this. This is the difference between Michigan and Ohio State,’ Portnoy continued. ‘We beat Ohio 50 years in a row and they just say gosh shucks we’ll get em next year. They beat us once, coach not only is fired but arrested. At Michigan it’s Nattys (national championships) or jail.’

Dahmer, the notorious serial killer, murdered 17 young men and boys between 1978 and 1991.

Moore was arrested after the alleged assault on the 3000 block of Ann Arbor Saline Road 

Portnoy has called on Michigan to hire former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden 

He added: ‘The playoffs are right around the corner and all anybody can talk about is Michigan. Win, lose or draw it’s always Michigan. Truly the straw that stirs the drink in college football.’ 

Portnoy also outlined his ideal candidates for the vacant job, with his shortlist including Alabama legend Nick Saban, NFL icon Deion Sanders and Super Bowl-winning-coach-turned Barstool personality Jon Gruden.

Gruden is currently in a legal battle with the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell, with the former Raiders coach alleging the league conducted a ‘malicious and orchestrated campaign’ to destroy his career when they revealed emails sent by him containing racist, misogynistic, and homophobic comments.

Gruden resigned from the Raiders in October 2021 and then promptly sued the league. And Portnoy said: ‘Let’s just stop f***ing around and give it to Gruden and go win a Natty.’

On Thursday morning, Portnoy then followed up his comments with a remarkable plea for internet users to ‘have just a touch of class when dealing with this Sherrone Moore situation.’

‘It’s the moral thing to do,’ he said, urging people not to spread ‘guesses’ or ‘innuendo.’ 

‘This is a man’s life so I think we should wait until the facts come out before we start cracking jokes and connecting dots.’