Michigan Athletic Director Expresses Feelings of Betrayal in Moore Scandal

Ward Manuel, the athletic director at Michigan, has openly shared his feelings of being “betrayed” regarding the scandal involving former football coach Sherrone Moore. Following an investigation, it was revealed that Moore had an improper relationship with former assistant coach Paige Shiver.

Moore was dismissed from his position at the university and was given 18 months of probation earlier this month instead of serving prison time for breaking into Shiver’s home and making suicide threats.

In a recent interview, Manuel addressed the situation, stating how deeply personal it felt to him. He conveyed his disappointment not only for himself but also for the student-athletes and the university community, emphasizing the expectations placed on those in athletic roles.

“I felt betrayed. That’s the best word I can use,” he remarked, while touching on the personal nature of the incident. He mentioned his investment in Moore since his arrival in 2018 as an assistant coach and noted, “I believed in him as a leader and trusted his staff to do things the right way.”

He went on to discuss the challenges of enforcing discipline among people he cared about, recognizing the criticism that leaders often face when making tough decisions. “Some say they should have acted sooner based on rumors, but acting without evidence isn’t fair,” he pointed out. The sense of betrayal, he added, extended to all involved—players, coaches, and families.

Moore’s legal troubles included the potential for a five-year prison term for charges related to burglary and stalking. Ultimately, he accepted a plea for misdemeanor charges, leading to probation without a prison sentence, though he was prohibited from contacting Shiver.

When questioned about Moore’s sentencing, Manuel expressed a more compassionate perspective, focusing on Moore as a person rather than the legal implications. “I want him to move forward for himself and his family,” he shared, indicating hopes for healing and growth.

In the wake of Moore’s departure, Michigan announced the selection of Kyle Whittingham from Utah as the new head coach. Manuel expressed enthusiasm about this change, stating, “He is a great addition to our family, and we look forward to seeing great things with our program.”