Newly obtained records shed fresh light on why the University of Michigan fired Sherrone Moore, revealing that his dismissal was not based solely on an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, but also on allegations that he lied during the school’s internal investigation.
According to a termination letter issued by Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel on December 10, and obtained by USA Today earlier this week, Moore was fired “for cause” after investigators concluded he engaged in misconduct and provided untruthful statements during interviews.
The letter, obtained by the outlet through a Freedom of Information Act request, states that Moore violated the university’s code of conduct governing supervisor-employee relationships. It further alleges that his lack of honesty during the review process was itself grounds for immediate termination.
“You provided untruthful statements during investigative interviews regarding this matter,” the letter states, according to the records. The university determined that either violation on its own would have justified firing Moore, and together they ended his tenure on the spot.
At the time of his termination, Michigan publicly cited the inappropriate relationship as the reason for Moore’s firing. The newly disclosed language clarifies that investigators were also focused on how Moore responded once the allegations surfaced, particularly after hotline reports triggered the internal inquiry.
The firing came amid mounting turmoil around Michigan’s football program and quickly escalated into a criminal case. On the same day he was dismissed, Moore was arrested and taken to the Washtenaw County Jail following an incident at the staffer’s residence.
Prosecutors allege Moore entered the home without permission and engaged in behavior that led to felony and misdemeanor charges.
On December 12, Moore was formally arraigned on one felony count of third-degree home invasion, along with misdemeanor counts of stalking and breaking and entering.
He was released on a $25,000 bond but remains under strict court-ordered conditions, including wearing a GPS tether, undergoing mental health treatment, staying in Michigan unless granted permission to travel, and having no contact with the alleged victim.
The fallout has also triggered broader institutional scrutiny. Michigan has engaged outside counsel to review how the university handled earlier warnings related to Moore, including whether the athletic department properly responded to anonymous reports before the situation escalated.
Moore’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 22, when a judge will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to move the case forward.
As of this writing, he has not publicly commented on the termination letter, the allegations of dishonesty, or the criminal charges.