ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Fired University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore was charged Friday with felony home invasion, stalking and a misdemeanor after prosecutors said he “barged his way” into the apartment of a woman with whom he had been having an affair and threatened to kill himself after she reported the relationship to the school and he lost his job.
Prosecutors, speaking as Moore watched by video from jail, said the relationship had lasted “for a number of years” before the woman ended it Monday, according to Washtenaw County first assistant prosecutor Kati Rezmierski. Moore repeatedly called and texted the woman, who did not respond and then reported the relationship to the university, triggering an investigation that led to his firing, Rezmierski said.
Shortly after being dismissed for an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, Moore allegedly forced his way into the woman’s apartment, went to a kitchen drawer, grabbed several butter knives and a pair of kitchen scissors, and began threatening to take his own life, Rezmierski said. She 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.” Rezmierski said the woman was “terrorized.”
A not-guilty plea was entered on Moore’s behalf by District Court Magistrate Odetalla Odetalla. He was released after posting $25,000 bond and must have no contact with the woman. Other conditions include wearing a GPS tracking device, remaining in Michigan, abstaining from alcohol and undergoing an additional mental-health evaluation; the next hearing is set for Jan. 22.
Defense attorney Joe Simon said Moore was taken to a hospital for a mental-health evaluation after his arrest Wednesday and returned to jail. Simon said Moore would “absolutely comply” with the court-ordered evaluation and that “there’s no evidence to suggest he’s a threat.”
Moore, 39, is married and has three children. He signed a five-year contract last year with a base annual salary of $5.5 million; because he was fired for cause, the university will not be required to buy out the remaining years of the deal. Moore, previously the team’s offensive coordinator, had been promoted after Michigan won a national title and succeeded Jim Harbaugh, who left for the NFL.
Michigan is scheduled to play No. 14 Texas on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Biff Poggi, who served as interim head coach earlier this season when Moore was suspended in relation to a Harbaugh-era sign-stealing scandal, will again serve as interim coach. The program could face player departures through the transfer portal and potential donor hesitation as it searches for a new head coach.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.