Ann Arbor — An attorney representing Sherrone Moore, the former head football coach at the University of Michigan, announced on Thursday plans to seek the dismissal of criminal charges against her client, asserting that they are grounded in “false and misleading statements.”
Ellen Michaels made this declaration following a court appearance in Ann Arbor’s 14A District Court. During the brief hearing, she sought access to phone and Title IX records pertinent to the criminal case against Moore. Michaels has filed a motion to quash Moore’s arrest warrant and a motion to dismiss the complaint entirely, arguing that the warrant was issued under questionable circumstances and that any evidence obtained as a result should be excluded.
“This warrant was issued based on false and misleading statements presented as fact,” Michaels stated. “We’re confident the truth will come out in court, under oath, where it belongs.”
Dressed in a dark suit and black tie, Moore appeared before Judge J. Cedric Simpson merely to confirm his identity. Michaels emphasized the necessity of specific discovery items, including documentation from the university that relates to events prior to Moore’s arrest.
Washtenaw County Assistant Prosecutor Kati Rezmierski noted that all available evidence has been shared with the defense, indicating that the investigation remains ongoing. Michaels pointed out that statements made by the complaining witness on the day of the incident are crucial for assessing the credibility of the case.
“Our understanding is that when you step back from the actual incident, there were prior statements and actions that will significantly impact this investigation,” she told the court. “Different statements she made to various individuals will need to be evaluated.”
A subsequent hearing focused on the requested discovery materials is scheduled for February 17, while another probable cause conference will take place on March 19.
Moore was dismissed from his post on December 10, following an independent investigation revealing his inappropriate relationship with a staff member. It is alleged that after his firing, he visited the woman’s home and threatened to take his own life. He faces serious charges, including third-degree felony home invasion, misdemeanor stalking, and breaking and entering, which could result in up to five years in prison if convicted of the home invasion charge.
The prosecutor’s office reported that Moore entered the home through an unlocked door, leading to an argument in which he took two butter knives and a pair of scissors from the kitchen and made threats against his own life. Warde Manuel, Michigan’s athletic director, terminated Moore on the same day he was arrested for violating his contractual obligations through dishonesty during the university’s investigation.
In a distressing moment reported from earlier events, Moore’s wife, Kelli, called 911 expressing concern for his well-being right after his firing, stating he was “in crisis.”
Moore’s hiring in January 2024 had marked a historic milestone for the University of Michigan, making him the first Black head coach in the program’s history and the youngest in more than fifty years. His recent firing and associated legal troubles contribute to a series of scandals the UM football program has faced, including the recent suspension of former coach Jim Harbaugh over a sign-stealing investigation and the firing of co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss related to a federal computer hacking case.
The unfolding situation remains a significant point of interest, with the legal proceedings perhaps providing an opportunity for Moore to present his side and seek to clear his name amidst the serious allegations.