An investigation by Jenner & Block LLP into the University of Michigan's athletic department, costing over $12 million, uncovered issues with oversight and accountability. While the university summarized the findings in a Q&A format and a video statement, it did not release a comprehensive investigative report, stating that none was conducted or written. This decision has led to criticism regarding transparency.
The findings indicated that existing oversight mechanisms in the athletic department were not sufficiently effective, particularly in the football program. Recommendations included strengthening leadership oversight, clarifying responsibilities, enhancing reporting relationships, and improving compliance processes. Warde Manuel, who is set to step down as Athletic Director at the end of the year, had previously warned Sherrone Moore about travel with an assistant in 2024.
Specifically, the investigation highlighted that Michigan and Warde Manuel overlooked warning signs regarding Sherrone Moore's relationship with Paige Shiver. A documented warning from Manuel to Moore about this relationship was noted on August 29, 2024, two days before Moore's first game as head coach, stating Shiver could not accompany him on trips. Manuel later fired Moore over the relationship on December 10, 2025, the same day Moore was arrested for allegedly confronting Shiver while armed with a butter knife.
Despite these serious findings, the university stated that the investigation did not find evidence of widespread misconduct. However, it concluded that weaknesses in accountability, organizational structure, oversight, and reporting created conditions where misconduct was not always addressed consistently or promptly. Attorneys for Moore and Shiver have called for the full report to be released, but the university cited privacy concerns for keeping it confidential.
Critics, like Balsam, argue that without more transparency, questions about the university's relationship with the athletics department and accountability for wrongdoers remain unanswered. The verbal briefing of the regents on the firm's findings, rather than a full report, further fuels these concerns about accountability and the integrity of the process.
