Sherrone Moore: What We Know About the ex-University of Michigan Coach’s Criminal Case
The news stunned Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan, and the entire sports world: Sherrone Moore, head coach of Michigan’s football team, had been arrested shortly before being fired for cause. Though the arrest and dismissal happened on Dec. 10, facts and accusations related to the case continue to emerge that could have major ramifications for Moore, the U of M athletic department, and the university itself.
What is Sherrone Moore charged with?
It’s important to note here that Moore is accused of entering the staff member’s home through an unlocked door. Michigan law considers opening an unlocked door potential breaking and entering, because it is using “force” (i.e., turning the knob) to gain entrance into the building. The elements of breaking and entering are:
- Breaking into a building using “force,” which can include opening an unlocked door or window,
- Entering the building, which includes putting any body part inside, such as a single hand or foot,
- With the intention of committing a felony or larceny
This is a separate crime from home invasion, which is limited to illegal entry of a dwelling. Both are felonies under Michigan law.
Stalking is legally defined as intentionally causing repeated or continuing harassment of another individual that would cause a reasonable person to feel afraid, threatened, harassed, or similar emotions, and that actually causes the person to feel that way.
The staff member’s attorney has accused Moore of a “long history of domestic violence” against her client, but Moore has not been charged with anything related to that claim as of the time we’re writing this post.
What Could Happen in this Michigan University Case?
Though Moore is facing multiple felony charges that could result in a yearslong prison sentence if convicted, that isn’t inevitable. The investigation is still in its early stages, and prosecutors could choose to amend the charges downward as additional evidence is gathered. It’s also possible that Moore’s defense attorney and the prosecution will work out a plea bargain that reduces the charges and potential penalties, in exchange for avoiding the risks and publicity of a trial against a public figure like the former Michigan football coach.
As it currently stands, this case also raises questions about the university’s possible culpability. As we said above, Michigan officials had heard claims that Moore was involved in an impermissible affair well before Dec. 10. Though the school seems to have investigated, it took no action until the day of Moore’s arrest. We’ll discuss the possible implications of that in a future post.