Photo Credit: Getty Images
The University of Michigan football program is preparing for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the University of Texas on December 31, but players are still grappling with the fallout from a scandal involving former head coach Sherrone Moore. Interim head coach Biff Poggi spoke to reporters on Monday, December 15, describing the emotions within the team.
"It has been a tumultuous time," Poggi said. "A lot of anger. At first disbelief, then anger, then really, what we're in right now is the phase of the kids, quite frankly, feel very betrayed. We're trying to work through that." Poggi, 66, took over following Moore's termination on December 10 after an investigation uncovered "credible evidence" of an "inappropriate relationship" with a staff member.
Moore was arrested the same day after allegedly breaking into the staffer's apartment and threatening to take his own life. During a Friday hearing, he was charged with one count of third-degree felony home invasion, one count of misdemeanour stalking related to a domestic relationship, and one count of misdemeanour breaking and entering. He was released on a $25,000 bond under conditions that include wearing a GPS tracking device, with a next court date set for January 22.
Poggi highlighted his focus on supporting players as they navigate the crisis, meeting individually with athletes and holding several Zoom calls with their parents. He has spent considerable time listening to the team and their families to understand their range of emotions and help them work through the aftermath of the scandal. Poggi acknowledged that processing these feelings will take time and that the steps toward resolution are ongoing.
The interim coach also explained that whether players take part in the bowl game is entirely up to them. He emphasized that the situation is unusual and that the program is being careful not to pressure anyone into playing, allowing each athlete to make a personal decision.
The staff member involved in the relationship was not terminated. University policy distinguishes between supervisors and employees in intimate workplace relationships, and supervisors are required to disclose such relationships. Moore's failure to do so constituted a policy violation. The university's independent investigation, led by an external law firm, is expected to expand beyond the football program to include the athletic department.
The scandal has already affected recruitment, with at least two of the 27 recently signed football prospects requesting and being granted releases.
