WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore was sentenced Tuesday after a judge told him the person saving him from harsher punishment was the very person he had betrayed.
Moore appeared before Washtenaw County Judge Cedric Simpson on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. He had previously pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges connected to an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staffer as part of a plea deal.
At the sentencing, Judge Simpson directed much of his attention toward Moore’s wife, Kelli, and the role she played.
“There is a certain irony in a lot of this, and it’s a big one, in my opinion,” Simpson said. “The person, quite frankly, Mr. Moore, that is saving you from the full wrath of this court is the one you betrayed.”
Simpson said he didn’t know where Kelli found her strength, saying that as everything was happening, she never once lost her focus and didn’t doubt him.
The judge recalled listening to a call made after Moore was fired, in which Kelli didn’t know where her husband was, but still directed officers on how to find him.
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“She said something that was remarkable: ‘Tell him I love him and to come home,’” Simpson said. “Incredible.”
Simpson added that during one of the calls, he could hear the couple’s children in the background.
“What she had to deal with was just an incredible burden,” he said. “She didn’t bat an eye.”
The judge said the court received a number of letters ahead of sentencing, but Kelli Moore’s letter “certainly had the biggest impact” on what he decided to impose.
“She was just pointing forward, leaning on her faith, and trying to find a way forward for her family, a way that was inclusive of you,” Simpson said.
The judge closed his remarks with a direct message to Moore.
“I think in life people sometimes take a lot for granted,” Simpson said. “You, sir, take her for granted.”
Speaking to his wife, the judge added, “I am amazed by you, Ms. Moore. I truly am. I don’t know where it comes from. I think in all honesty, given all the hurt and pain, if we had more people like you in the world, I may be out of a job — but I think this world would be a better place.”
Moore was sentenced to 18 months of probation.
He cannot consume alcohol or drugs and must continue mental health treatment. Moore also can’t have any direct or indirect contact with Paige Shiver, the victim. He also cannot talk about Shiver online or go to her place of work.
Full hearing
You can watch the full hearing in the video below: