The University of Michigan released the termination letter sent to former football coach Sherrone Moore, outlining violations including an inappropriate relationship with a staff member Paige Shiver and dishonesty during an internal investigation, sparking a wave of reactions on social media from fans, analysts and former players.
The letter, dated Dec. 10, 2025, and signed by athletic director Warde Manuel, cites two main violations of Moore’s employment contract: misconduct under sections related to morality, public decency and supervisor-employee relationships, as well as providing untruthful statements during interviews. “This conduct violates Section 4.02(c) (conduct which offends against morality and public decency and, in the reasonable judgment of the University, could harm the University’s reputation) and Section 4.02(d) (Misconduct as defined by SPG 201.12, which includes violation of University policies as misconduct),” the letter states.
Moore, 39, was fired for cause effective immediately following the investigation, with instructions not to contact university employees or students, or visit athletic facilities. The letter also notes he is ineligible for rehire and must return items like his dealer car by Dec. 15, 2025. The document was shared publicly on X by Detroit News reporter Tony Paul, whose post garnered over 2,000 likes and hundreds of replies.
Social media users expressed a mix of shock, sarcasm and criticism. User @intrinsicvalyou highlighted the dishonesty clause, posting:
“Dishonesty during investigation” So it’s okay that Sherrone Moore repeat offends and lies to the @NCAA so long as he doesn’t lie to Michigan.” Another reply from @UofM_AuraFarmer quipped: “They took bros car too lmao.” User @MikeDuda noted: “I love how institutions still list FAX numbers.”
The release comes amid broader scrutiny of Moore’s Dec. 10, 2025, firing, which followed reports of an affair and a subsequent police incident. A 911 call from Moore’s wife, released earlier, revealed concerns he might harm himself, with a child audible in the background. Prosecutors later alleged Moore threatened self-harm with butter knives at a Shiver’s apartment, leading to charges and an arraignment.
College football analysts weighed in on X. SiriusXM host Danny Kanell called it “an embarrassing run for Michigan,” adding:
“It’s all been a stain on the University. Maybe this is the end of that era.” User @Less_HumbleTeej speculated on the timeline: “Michigan interviewed Sherrone and the lady this summer and they both denied it. Something happened in the interim and she finally spilled all the beans to the university.”
CBS Sports reported industry surprise at the timing but not the outcome, with one source saying: “This was the worst-kept secret.”
Moore, who led Michigan to a 9-3 record in 2025 after succeeding Jim Harbaugh, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. University officials declined further comment beyond the letter.
Flip the pages, photos of Paige Shiver, the woman who took down Sherrone Moore.
