Michigan President Breaks His Silence, Has 1 Word for Sherrone Moore

On Wednesday night, the University of Michigan announced the abrupt dismissal of head football coach Sherrone Moore, citing “credible evidence” of an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member.” Not long after, Moore was taken into police custody “for investigation into potential charges” in connection with an alleged assault.

As details continue to emerge from his dismissal and his subsequent arrest, University of Michigan President Domenico Grasso has sent a message to the Michigan community, breaking his silence on the matter.

Moore Fired, Arrested

Michigan publicly confirmed Moore’s dismissal on Wednesday afternoon, noting in a formal statement that he had been terminated “with cause” after the university found "credible evidence" of what it described as an "inappropriate relationship" involving a staff member.

“U-M head football coach Sherrone Moore has been terminated, with cause, effective immediately,” the university announced. “Following a University investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.”

Soon after news of his firing surfaced, Moore was taken into police custody “for investigation into potential charges” connected to an alleged assault.

Later that evening, Pittsfield police issued a statement explaining that officers had been dispatched at 4:10 p.m. to the 3000 block of Ann Arbor Saline Road “for the purposes of investigating an alleged assault. … A suspect in this case was taken into custody. This incident does not appear to be random in nature, and there appears to be no ongoing threat to the community.

“The suspect was lodged at the Washtenaw County Jail pending review of charges by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor,” the statement added. “At this time, the investigation is ongoing. Given the nature of the allegations, the need to maintain the integrity of the investigation, and its current status at this time, we are prohibited from releasing additional details.”

While police did not offer many details, one prominent Michigan reporter shared some chilling details, reporting that Moore entered the former employee's home and threatened violence against her and himself.

Michigan President Sends a Message

On Thursday evening, Grasso broke his silence on the situation, sending a letter to the Michigan students and faculty in which he had one word for Moore and the situation, declaring the breach of trust "painful."

"Earlier this week, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics dismissed head football coach Sherrone Moore with cause for violating University policy by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. When the findings of a University investigation into Coach Moore's behavior were presented on Wednesday, we immediately terminated his employment. There is absolutely no tolerance for this conduct at the University of Michigan. None," Grasso wrote in the letter.

"I have been in close communication with the Board of Regents and we are united in committing to doing what is right. This breach of trust by Coach Moore is painful for many in our community, first and foremost, the individuals directly involved in this situation. Yet our swift and decisive action reflects the University's staunch commitment to a campus culture of respect, integrity and accountability. All of the facts here must be known, so the University's investigation will continue."

Grasso urged anyone with information on the matter to contact the University of Michigan.

"I have tremendous faith in the University of Michigan and the principled work our faculty, staff and students carry out every day," Grasso wrote. "Together, we will move forward with integrity and excellence, and reaffirm our dedication to serving the public good."