The university has been involved in many scandals over the past few years.
The University of Michigan has sanctioned a full investigation into the affairs of its athletic department following the firing of Sherrone Moore.
While Moore’s dismissal is at the forefront, the probe will focus on the multiple scandals that have rocked the school in recent years.
According to The Detroit News (H/T ESPN), Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block will take charge of the investigation. The firm has developed a relationship with the school over the last few years and recently investigated Moore’s affair with a staffer.
The firm opened an inquiry earlier this fall about the conduct of Moore and a staff member after the university received an anonymous tip, multiple sources told ESPN. Both Moore and the staff member denied the relationship and not enough evidence emerged to confirm it.
That changed Wednesday when, according to prosecutors in Washtenaw County, Michigan, the staff member told investigators it did occur and presented corroborating evidence. The staff member had, on Monday, broken off the multiyear relationship, according to prosecutors, but became concerned when Moore sent a flurry of texts and calls that were unreturned.
Sherrone Moore Affair Only The Latest In A Series Of Scandals At The University Of Michigan
Moore’s alleged infractions are just the latest in a string of controversies to mar the university and its athletic department over the past few years.
One such case is the one involving former offensive coordinator Matt Weiss.
Weiss is facing 24 charges of unauthorized access to computers and aggravated identity theft. He stands accused of targeting specific female athletes to access personal photographs, some of them intimate, and videos.
There is, of course, the sign-stealing scandal from 2023 during which former staffer Connor Stalions was fired. The NCAA also handed Michigan a four-year probation term, along with a fine that could potentially total over $30 million.
Former head coach Jim Harbaugh was also suspended several times during his final years at the university. The bans resulted from the scouting probe and violations of recruiting rules.
