ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The judge overseeing former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore’s case addressed a controversial video of Moore hugging a deputy in the courtroom.
Moore returned to the courtroom on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, to be sentenced on two misdemeanor charges after reaching a plea deal on March 6. After the hearing on March 6, Moore and a deputy in the courtroom were seen shaking hands and hugging.
On Tuesday, Judge Cedric Simpson described what happened as, “an individual who (the victim, Paige Shiver) and her people believed was part of the court had gone up to Mr. Moore, shook his hand, and gave him a hug.”
Simpson said that person was not a member of the courtroom, but an employee with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office.
“He is in no way connected to me or this court, and I was not even aware -- I was not in the room,” Simpson said. “I actually had to go and see it online. That should never have occurred. Not because it would have had an effect on this court. It shouldn’t have occurred because of its appearance of occurring.
“I can assure Ms. Shiver that that has no impact on me and that having been brought to my attention, I will be dealing with those in the sheriff’s office regarding that conduct, because it can’t happen here.”
Moore was ultimately sentenced to 18 months of probation and about $1,345 in fines and court costs. He’s not allowed to have any direct or indirect contact with Shiver.
You can see video of the hug between Moore and the deputy, and listen to the judge’s full response, in the video at the top of this page.