Michigan Investigation Summary Omits Key Red Flags from $12 Million Athletic Department Probe

Michigan’s public summary of its $12 million investigation into the athletic department left out several significant concerns raised by investigators, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The Journal’s Corinne Ramey and Rachel Bachman reported that law firm Jenner & Block identified “a series of potential red flags” that went beyond former football coach Sherrone Moore’s affair with staff member Paige Shiver. Those findings were shared with Michigan officials in a detailed internal slideshow that has not been released publicly.

Jenner & Block Investigation Uncovered Multiple Concerns Beyond Sherrone Moore Affair

The slideshow reviewed by the Wall Street Journal included issues involving Moore, former men’s basketball coach Juwan Howard, and former women’s water polo coach Cassie Churnside.

Investigators found that Michigan officials were aware of several potential reputational risks involving Moore well before his relationship with a staff member became public.

Michigan Officials Knew of Sherrone Moore’s Online Activity Before Scandal Broke

According to Jenner & Block’s findings:

• Officials were informed in March 2024 about Moore’s online interactions with an OnlyFans model.
• They were aware of social media activity involving women that surfaced during an athletic department background check.
• They knew about Moore’s interactions with a Michigan fan who posted revealing photos online.

The firm’s slideshow even included a photo showing Moore’s vehicle parked at Shiver’s apartment complex.

Moore’s attorney declined the Journal’s request for comment.

What the Wall Street Journal Report Reveals About Michigan’s $12 Million Athletic Department Investigation

The $12 million probe by Jenner & Block examined both the circumstances surrounding Moore’s firing and the broader culture within Michigan’s athletic department. While the university released a public summary, the Journal’s reporting indicates that several specific concerns about personnel handling, coaching controversies, and reputational risks were not included in that public version.

The omissions raise questions about the full scope of issues investigators flagged and how Michigan officials responded to early warning signs involving Moore and other coaches.

As the university continues to navigate the fallout from the investigation, the Wall Street Journal’s reporting highlights gaps between what investigators presented internally and what Michigan shared with the public.