University of Michigan Launches Investigation into Athletic Department Scandals

The University of Michigan has initiated an investigation into its athletic department, focusing on the management and occurrence of multiple scandals in recent years. This inquiry, commissioned by the university, will be conducted by Jenner & Block, a Chicago-based law firm with prior experience working with the institution.

The investigation follows allegations regarding Sherrone Moore, the recently dismissed head football coach, who was previously promoted from offensive coordinator. The inquiry began earlier in the fall after the university received an anonymous tip about Moore’s conduct with a staff member. Both parties initially denied the relationship, but developments changed on Wednesday when the staff member reportedly provided corroborating evidence to investigators in Washtenaw County, Michigan.

According to prosecutors, the staff member had ended the relationship on Monday, which prompted Moore to send numerous unanswered texts and calls. The situation escalated when Moore reportedly entered the staff member’s apartment, brandishing kitchen scissors and knives, and threatened to take his own life. During this incident, he allegedly stated, “I’m going to kill myself. My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life.”

As a result, Moore faces three charges, including felony home invasion and misdemeanor charges of stalking and breaking and entering. He pleaded not guilty, and a probable cause hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2026. Following his arrest, he was released on a $25,000 bond, subject to GPS monitoring and mandated counseling.

Ongoing Issues within the Athletic Department

This incident is the latest in a series of controversies involving the University of Michigan’s athletic department, which has been under scrutiny for various scandals. Notably, former offensive coordinator Matt Weiss was indicted in March 2024 on 24 counts, including unauthorized access to computers and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors allege that Weiss engaged in a multiyear scheme to access the personal accounts of thousands of NCAA student-athletes, specifically targeting female athletes to obtain intimate photographs and videos. Some of these alleged crimes occurred while Weiss was employed at the school’s football facility, Schembechler Hall.

Additionally, the university faced penalties related to a 2023 advanced scouting operation involving former football staffer Connor Stalions. The NCAA imposed four years of probation on the program and fines potentially exceeding $30 million. Former head coach Jim Harbaugh received multiple suspensions due to violations linked to this situation before leaving to coach in the NFL in January 2024.

Moore himself has faced disciplinary action from the NCAA, including two suspensions. He still has a one-game penalty pending for deleting text messages related to Stalions.

Leadership Under Scrutiny

The series of scandals has intensified scrutiny on the leadership of the athletic department, particularly on Warde Manuel, the athletic director who has served since 2016. A high-level meeting of university officials was conducted recently, leading to speculation regarding Manuel’s future, though he remains in his position. If dismissed without cause, the university would owe Manuel approximately $6.75 million, following the signing of a new five-year contract in December 2024.

In response to the ongoing issues, interim university president Domenico Grasso reached out to the campus community, urging anyone with knowledge of Moore’s situation to report it through a confidential system. In his message, Grasso emphasized the university’s commitment to moving forward with integrity and excellence.

Despite the turmoil, the Wolverines’ athletic programs continue to perform well competitively. The football team won the 2023 national title, and both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are currently ranked among the top six nationally, with the hockey team holding the number one spot.

The university has also seen a significant increase in undergraduate applications, with a record of 98,310 for the incoming freshman class, up from 79,743 in 2022, marking an 18.9% rise over three years.

Jenner & Block’s involvement in the investigation is notable, as the firm has previously addressed misconduct issues at the university, including a 2022 investigation that led to the removal of former president Mark Schlissel for an inappropriate relationship with a university employee.

The ongoing investigation into the athletic department is expected to shed further light on the recent events and the overall culture within the University of Michigan’s athletic programs.