Letter lays out contract violations, reasoning for ex-coach Sherrone Moore's firing
WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. — The University of Michigan has released dozens of documents from former head football coach Sherrone Moore's personnel file after a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from News Channel 3.
Moore was fired and arrested in December following an investigation into allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
- Previous coverage: Washtenaw County releases Sherrone Moore's booking photo, court documents
In the termination letter sent by Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel on Dec. 10, Moore was found to have violated his contract by engaging in a relationship that breached clauses related to morality, public decency, and supervisor-employee relationships.
The letter also accuses Moore of providing false information during interviews conducted as part of the investigation.
University officials conducted a "thorough investigation" after receiving "hotline reports" regarding Moore's conduct, according to documents. The investigation determined that Moore's actions could harm the university's reputation, leading to his dismissal
Since being fired, Moore has been barred from contacting any student-athletes or university employees. He also cannot enter Michigan's athletic facilities, and is not eligible to be rehired by the university.
In addition, The University of Michigan made arrangements to send Moore his personal belongings from his office, and to retrieve his "dealer car."
Moore appeared in court in December after he allegedly stalked the staff member involved in the allegations.
According to police reports, Pittsfield Township Police and Fire responded to an assault on Ann Arbor-Saline Road, about two miles west of Ann Arbor's Briarwood Mall, on Dec. 10.
Moore, hours after he was fired from The University of Michigan, allegedly broke into the staff member's home and threatened to kill himself.
He was found in Saline, Mich. the same night, and was given an evaluation at an area hospital before he was taken to Washtenaw County Jail.
Moore was released on a $25,000 cash/surety bond Dec. 12. However, he currently faces the following charges:
- Third-degree home invasion for allegedly unlawfully entering the victim's home to commit the crime of stalking, and committing that crime while inside. The charge is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $2,000 fine.
- Stalking for alleged repeated or continued harassment of the victim. Stalking is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Breaking and entering or entering without breaking for allegedly entering the home of a victim with whom Moore had a dating relationship. This charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
A judge also ordered that Moore continues his mental health evaluation, wears a GPS tether, has no contact with the victim and does not go to the victim's home.
Moore's next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 22.
The University of Michigan denied a request for additional documents and emails related to the investigation, citing unspecified reasons for withholding that part of the public records request.
