Sherrone Moore had ‘long history of domestic violence’ against Michigan staffer, lawyer alleges – The Athletic – The New York Times

Report on Domestic Violence Incident Involving Former Michigan Football Coach Sherrone Moore

Incident Overview

On December 10, 2025, former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore was arrested on charges including third-degree home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering. The arrest followed allegations of a long history of domestic violence against a female football staffer during their intimate relationship.

Details from Police Testimony

1. Detective Jessica Welker of the Pittsfield Township Police Department provided sworn testimony during a complaint authorization hearing.
2. The female staffer reported disclosing her relationship with Moore to the University of Michigan earlier on the day of the incident and was preparing to leave town.
3. Moore allegedly entered the staffer’s apartment without permission.
4. The staffer’s lawyer, Heidi Sharp, placed a 911 call during which she heard screaming and the staffer stating, “He’s here. He’s here. Sherrone is here.”
5. Moore reportedly grabbed knives and pointed them at the staffer, then at himself, but ceased when the staffer put her lawyer on speakerphone.
6. Moore denied assault or threatening with weapons in his police interview.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

• Moore was not charged with assault due to insufficient evidence to prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
• The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office stated the stalking charge was based on Moore’s intent to terrorize and harass the victim.
• The case remains under active investigation with the possibility of additional charges.
• No requests for charges related to previous incidents have been received.

Relationship Background

• Moore and the female staffer were in an intimate relationship for approximately two years.
• The staffer ended the relationship on December 8, 2025, two days before Moore’s firing.
• Following the breakup, Moore allegedly contacted the staffer about a dozen times via calls and text messages.

University Response and Commitment to Ethical Standards

Michigan President Domenico Grasso announced an institutional response including:

• A law firm review of the athletic department’s culture, conduct, and procedures.
• A commitment to appointing a football coach of the highest moral character.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 5: Gender Equality

• This case highlights the critical need to address gender-based violence and promote safe, equitable environments in workplaces, including sports organizations.
• The University of Michigan’s actions align with SDG 5 targets to eliminate violence against women and girls in all forms.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings demonstrate commitment to justice and accountability.
• Institutional review of conduct and procedures supports the development of transparent and effective governance within the athletic department.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Addressing domestic violence contributes to the physical and mental well-being of individuals affected.
• Support systems and protective measures for victims are essential components of health and well-being initiatives.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Educational institutions play a vital role in fostering respectful and safe environments, promoting awareness and prevention of domestic violence.
• The University’s review and reforms contribute to creating a culture of respect and integrity aligned with SDG 4.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses domestic violence and harassment against a female staffer, directly relating to gender-based violence and the promotion of safe environments for women.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article involves legal proceedings, law enforcement intervention, and institutional response to misconduct, connecting to justice, rule of law, and accountability.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article touches on mental health aspects (self-harm threats) and physical safety, which relate to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 5 Targets:
   • 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life (implied by the context of workplace safety and respect).
2. SDG 16 Targets:
   • 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels (implied by the university’s response and law firm review).
3. SDG 3 Targets:
   • 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being (related to the self-harm threats and psychological impact of domestic violence).
   • 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services (implied in the broader context of women’s health and safety).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 5:
   • 5.2.1: Proportion of women and girls subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months (implied by the domestic violence allegations).
   • 5.2.2: Proportion of women and girls subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner (implied through stalking and harassment charges).
2. Indicators related to SDG 16:
   • 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms (implied by the police report and legal charges).
   • 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services (implied by institutional response and law firm review).
3. Indicators related to SDG 3:
   • 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate (related to self-harm threats mentioned in the article).
   • 3.7.1: Proportion of women of reproductive age who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods (implied in broader health context).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: nytimes.com