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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore has been accused of forcefully entering a woman’s apartment and threatening self-harm after she disclosed their affair to the university, leading to his dismissal, prosecutors announced on Friday.
Moore now faces three charges, including felony home invasion and stalking.
During a video appearance from jail, officials revealed shocking allegations against Moore, shedding light on the abrupt decision by the University of Michigan to terminate the 39-year-old coach’s contract just two seasons into his tenure with the prestigious football program.
According to Washtenaw County First Assistant Prosecutor Kati Rezmierski, Moore had been involved in a lengthy affair with the woman, which she decided to end earlier this week.
Rezmierski stated that despite Moore’s persistent calls and messages, the woman chose not to engage with him.
“Eventually she presented herself to the University of Michigan. Cooperated in some form of an investigation. As we all now know (Moore) was fired from his employment,” the prosecutor said.
Moore was dismissed for an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, the school said Wednesday without offering details.
Shortly after losing his job, Moore stormed into the woman’s apartment, “then proceeded to a kitchen drawer, grabbed several butter knives and a pair of kitchen scissors. And began to threaten his own life,” Rezmierski said.
The prosecutor quoted Moore as telling the woman: “I’m going to kill myself. I’m going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You’ve ruined my life.”
“She was terrorized,” Rezmierski said.
A not-guilty plea was entered on Moore’s behalf by District Court Magistrate Odetalla Odetalla, and he was released from jail after meeting the $25,000 bond. Moore said very little in court besides acknowledging that he must have no contact with the woman, among other conditions.
The court hearing was held just 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) from Michigan Stadium where Moore, who is married and has three children, coached his last game against rival Ohio State in front of more than 100,000 fans on Nov. 29.
Defense attorney Joe Simon said Moore was taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation after his arrest Wednesday and then returned to the jail.
He said Moore would “absolutely comply” with the judge’s order for an additional evaluation. Moore must wear a GPS tracking device, stay in Michigan and abstain from alcohol. The next court hearing was set for Jan. 22.
“There’s no evidence to suggest he’s a threat,” Simon said.
Moore signed a five-year contract with a base annual salary of $5.5 million last year. According to the terms of his deal, the university will not have to buy out the remaining years of his contract because he was fired for cause.
Moore, the team’s former offensive coordinator, was promoted to lead the Wolverines after they won the national title. He succeeded Jim Harbaugh, who returned to the NFL to lead the Los Angeles Chargers.
Michigan is set to play No. 14 Texas on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Biff Poggi, who filled in for Moore when he was suspended earlier this season in relation to a Harbaugh-era sign-stealing scandal, will serve as interim coach.
While the school seeks a new head coach, the Wolverines may lose players in the transfer portal this winter and donors who help fund revenue-sharing and NIL deals may hesitate to invest in the winningest program in college football history.
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