University of Michigan president Domenico Grasso has addressed fired football coach Sherrone Moore’s alleged inappropriate relationship with a fellow staff member.
“Earlier this week, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics dismissed head football coach Sherrone Moore with cause for violating University policy by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member,” Grasso, 70, wrote in a statement shared Thursday, December 11, and titled “Moving Forward With Integrity.”
Grasso noted that Moore, 39, was “immediately terminated” after an internal investigation was completed.
“There is absolutely no tolerance for this conduct at the University of Michigan. None,” he wrote. “I have been in close communication with the Board of Regents and we are united in committing to doing what is right. This breach of trust by Coach Moore is painful for many in our community, first and foremost, the individuals directly involved in this situation.”
The president continued, “Our swift and decisive action reflects the University’s staunch commitment to a campus culture of respect, integrity and accountability. All of the facts here must be known, so the University’s investigation will continue.”
The university announced on Wednesday, December 10, that Moore was let go shortly after the football coach was arrested for “attacking” a woman at her home. Moore was accused of stalking the individual “for months.”
“Given the nature of the allegations, the need to maintain the integrity of the investigation, and its current status at this time, we are prohibited from releasing additional details,” a statement from the Pittsfield Township Police Department read. “Further details regarding the incident will be released as soon as possible.”
Moore has been held at the Washtenaw County Jail and is expected to be arraigned on Friday, December 12. No charges have been filed against Moore at the time of publication.
While Moore has not addressed the accusations, Michigan appointed associate head coach Biff Poggi to take over Moore’s position as the Michigan Wolverines gear up for the Citrus Bowl on December 31.
The university is also continuing its investigation, with Grasso urging anyone with evidence to share their findings with the school.
“Our community has worked diligently in recent years to strengthen a safe and respectful environment for all. We must remain steadfast with those efforts,” Grasso said in his Thursday statement. “Each of us shares an obligation to uphold our values. If you become aware of any violation of U-M policies, I strongly encourage you to report it through the University’s compliance hotline.”
He concluded, “I have tremendous faith in the University of Michigan and the principled work our faculty, staff and students carry out every day. Together, we will move forward with integrity and excellence, and reaffirm our dedication to serving the public good.”
