ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Fired University of Michigan football coach Sherron Moore “barged into” the apartment of a woman he had had an affair with and threatened to commit suicide after she reported the relationship to the school and he lost his job, prosecutors said Friday.
Moore was charged with three crimes, including home invasion and stalking.
As he watched on video from jail, authorities revealed extraordinary allegations against Moore and provided details that answered a key question: What prompted Michigan to suddenly oust the 39-year-old coach Wednesday after his second season at the helm of the storied football program?
Moore and the woman had been having an affair “for a number of years” before she ended the relationship Monday, said Washtenaw County First Assistant Prosecutor Kati Rezmierski.
Moore called the woman repeatedly and texted her, but she refused to respond, Rezmierski said.
“Ultimately, she presented herself to the University of Michigan. She cooperated with some form of investigation. As we all now know, Moore was fired,” the prosecutor said.
Moore was fired for an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, the school said Wednesday, without providing details.
Shortly after losing his job, Moore stormed into the woman’s apartment, “then walked to a kitchen drawer, grabbed several butter knives and a pair of kitchen scissors. And began threatening 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 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 posting $25,000 bail. Moore said very little in court, other than to acknowledge, among other things, that he was not allowed to have contact with the woman.
The hearing took place just four miles from Michigan Stadium, where Moore, who is married with three children, coached his final game against rival Ohio State on Nov. 29 in front of more than 100,000 fans.
Attorney Joe Simon said that after his arrest Wednesday, Moore was taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation and then returned to jail.
He said Moore would “absolutely comply” with the judge’s order for an additional evaluation. Moore must wear a GPS tracking device, remain in Michigan and abstain from alcohol. The next court hearing was scheduled for January 22.
“There’s no evidence to suggest he’s a threat,” Simon said.
Moore signed a five-year contract last year with a base annual salary of $5.5 million. Under the terms of his deal, the university does 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 manage the Los Angeles Chargers.
Michigan is ready to play No. 14Texas on Dec. 31 at the Citrus Bowl. Biff Poggi, who filled in for Moore when he was suspended for a Harbaugh era earlier this season sign stealing scandalwill serve as interim coach.
As the school searches for a new head coach, the Wolverines could lose players to the transfer portal this winter and donors who help fund revenue sharing and NIL deals may be hesitant to invest in the winningest program in college football history.
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for mental health care. Additionally, you can find local mental health and crisis resources at dontcallthepolice.com. Outside the US you can visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
