Sherone Moore was let go from his position as Michigan State’s football coach due to an affair, but his wife played a crucial role in mitigating the consequences of a serious incident where he broke into his ex-mistress’s home and threatened suicide.
Moore, dismissed because of his relationship with former assistant Paige Shiver, managed to avoid prison on Tuesday, receiving only 18 months of probation for two misdemeanors.
Interestingly, without the support of his wife, Kelly Moore, the outcome could have been much worse.
During the court hearing in Washtenaw County, District Court Judge Cedric Simpson mentioned how a letter from Kelly influenced his decision on the case.
“The only thing that will save you from the wrath of this court is the person you betrayed,” Judge Simpson stated.
He noted how Kelly never showed resentment toward Moore, even as she faced enormous emotional strain. “When I heard the fear in her voice… I thought no one would fault her for saying, ‘I’m done here.’ Mr. Moore, I am amazed at you,” the judge added, suggesting that if more people were like him, the world might be a better place.
Moore expressed gratitude towards his wife during his court appearance, and they were seen embracing after they learned he wouldn’t face jail time.
Having pleaded no contest to charges related to a domestic relationship, Moore was also instructed to have no contact with Shiver, and to stay away from drugs and alcohol. Additionally, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
He was fined around $1,000 and previously faced more severe charges, including stalking and burglary, which could have led to a five-year prison sentence. It was reported that he sent numerous messages and made calls to Shiver.
Moore, at 40 years old, was fired on December 10 after Shiver reported their relationship issues to the university just two days later.
After his dismissal, he reportedly went to Shiver’s place and threatened to harm himself with a butter knife, expressing feelings of despair by saying things like, “I’m going to kill myself. My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life.”
Shiver did not attend the hearing, but Judge Simpson mentioned that she had asked for the harshest sentence possible for Moore.
In a statement, she described the attack, saying, “He broke into my apartment, cried, screamed, became furious and attacked me with a knife. I felt threatened and feared for my life.”
Despite this, Judge Simpson decided against a prison sentence for Moore, deeming it inappropriate under the circumstances.
According to his lawyer, Moore is working on himself and undergoing therapy. Together, he and Kelly share three children.
Moore previously held the position of offensive coordinator at the University of Michigan and was head coach for two seasons before retiring.
