ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Attorneys Andrew M. Stroth and Steven A. Hart issued a statement on behalf of Paige Shiver after former University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore entered a no-contest plea in his criminal trespassing case.
The former Michigan Wolverines head coach pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges in connection with a case involving his alleged inappropriate relationship with Shiver as part of a plea deal.
Moore was scheduled to appear in the 14-A District Court in Washtenaw County on March 6 before Judge Cedric Simpson for an evidentiary hearing.
The statement, released on Friday, says the plea “represents a critical moment of acknowledgment and accountability following a frightening and deeply disturbing incident.”
Moore’s no-contest plea was entered a mere days following a report alleging his failure to report sexual assault allegations against former assistant coach LaTroy Lewis.
→ Ex-Michigan football assistant LaTroy Lewis dismissed by Falcons after Ann Arbor sexual abuse probe
As part of the plea, the charges he was initially issued, third-degree home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering, have been dismissed.
“With the resolution of Mr. Moore’s criminal legal proceedings today, all eyes are now squarely focused on the University of Michigan, Interim President Domenico Grasso, President-Elect Kent Syverud, General Counsel Tim Lynch, and the Board of Regents to see whether they take the swift and decisive action needed to make amends for the University’s painful missteps and to restore a genuine sense of trust and respect among its employees, students, and alums.”
Andrew M. Stroth and Steven A. Hart
Stroth and Hart said Shiver was forced to endure years of manipulation, harassment, and exploitation by Moore, who held enormous power over professional life as the head coach of one of the nation’s most prominent college football programs.
“After Sheronne Moore was fired, his conduct escalated into an alarming and traumatic episode that led to the criminal charges resolved today. He entered our client’s apartment without permission while behaving in an aggressive and intimidating manner, holding knives and a pair of scissors—an event that left our client fearful for her safety and deeply traumatized.”
Andrew M. Stroth and Steven A. Hart
Stroth and Hard said Friday’s plea by Moore confirmed the seriousness of the criminal misconduct, but the case was about far more than one terrifying incident.
They said his actions raised urgent and troubling questions about how a powerful figure within a major university athletic program could engage in years of inappropriate conduct toward a subordinate without meaningful intervention or oversight.
“Accountability does not end with a single criminal case. It requires truth, transparency, and a commitment to ensuring that no one in a position of authority is ever permitted to abuse their power again. Our client is continuing the difficult process of healing. She remains grateful for the support she has received and hopes that her decision to come forward will help protect others in the future.”
Andrew M. Stroth and Steven A. Hart
Background
Moore was arrested on Dec. 10 after a 911 call reporting a man attacking a woman in a Pittsfield Township apartment.
He was later detained and placed in protective custody by mental health professionals.
During his Dec. 12 arraignment, prosecutors said Moore and Shiver had been involved in an intimate relationship “for a number of years.”
Prosecutors said the Shiver ended the relationship on Dec. 8, but Moore continued calling and texting her.
TMZ reported on Wednesday that Shiver was no longer with the program as her contract expired and was not renewed.
Previous coverage: 911 dispatch audio reveals events preceding firing of former Michigan football HC Sherrone Moore
Moore was fired after Shiver reported the matter to the university.
On Dec. 10, Moore allegedly went to the staff member’s apartment, grabbed “several butter knives and a pair of kitchen scissors” from a drawer, and threatened to hurt himself.
He left after Shiver threatened to call her lawyer and the police, officials said.
Moore was released on a $25,000 bond and was ordered to wear a GPS tether, undergo mental health treatment, and have no contact with the woman.
--> New report details alleged relationship leading to firing of ex-Michigan football HC Sherrone Moore