A former University of Michigan football coach achieved a significant legal win Tuesday as a judge approved his request to examine the circumstances behind his December arrest warrant.
Washtenaw County Judge Cedric Simpson set a hearing date of March 2 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to review Sherrone Moore’s case.
Authorities took Moore into custody on December 10, leading to charges of stalking, breaking and entering, and third-degree home invasion. The complainant was identified as a female employee within Michigan’s athletic department.
The purported incident took place on the identical date Michigan terminated Moore’s employment, citing the discovery of “credible evidence” that the coach participated in an improper workplace relationship.
Defense attorney Ellen Michaels contended that the investigating detective from Pittsfield Township Police Department withheld crucial information from the district court magistrate during the December 12 warrant request — specifically omitting that the complainant served as Moore’s supervisor.
Although law enforcement documented Moore’s numerous text messages and phone calls to the woman, they failed to inform the magistrate about the professional connection between the two individuals. Michaels argued that such communication could be interpreted differently when considering their working partnership.
Judge Simpson responded Tuesday by stating, “It seems to me, if I’m the magistrate, I’m getting half the story. I’m not getting the full story. … I’m very worried about the omission.”
The judge further commented, “What is clear from this court’s perspective is that an omission in certain contexts can be more damaging, more problematic, more troublesome than what might be an intentional misrepresentation.”
Speaking to media following Tuesday’s proceedings, Michaels declared, “Judge Simpson got it right in this motion, and due process matters. Coach Moore maintains his innocence, and the truth will come out.”
The 40-year-old Moore compiled a 16-8 coaching record at Michigan following his promotion from offensive coordinator when he replaced Jim Harbaugh. Both coaches faced scrutiny during a sign-stealing scandal connected to the university’s 2023 national championship season, resulting in Moore receiving a two-game suspension.
