Michigan Omitted Key Details on Probe Into Its Athletic Department in Public Summary
The University of Michigan faces scrutiny after a report revealed that its public summary of a twelve-million-dollar investigation omitted critical details. While the university claimed it shared the principal findings of the inquiry into its athletic department, internal documents suggest a different story. The investigation, conducted by the law firm Jenner & Block, reportedly presented university officials with a detailed slideshow that flagged significant concerns regarding personnel and reputational risks. These details never reached the public eye.
The findings identified specific warnings involving head football coach Sherrone Moore well before his publicized relationship became a matter of record. Investigators noted that officials were informed of Moore's online interactions with an OnlyFans model and other social media activity months prior. Furthermore, the internal slideshow contained evidence, including surveillance imagery, that documented Moore's presence at the apartment complex of a staff member. Moore has not provided a comment on these specific findings.
Broader cultural issues within the athletic department also appear in the undisclosed documents. The firm highlighted systemic problems concerning the oversight of coaches like former basketball head coach Juwan Howard and former water polo coach Cassie Churnside. Specifically, the report examined the university's delayed response to behavioral complaints and the management of high-profile altercations involving coaching staff. The firm categorized one incident involving Howard as a free pass for physical confrontation.
The investigation also revisited the legacy of the football program under previous leadership. Investigators pointed to a culture that remained dismissive of NCAA compliance rules during the sign-stealing controversies. Additionally, the report noted a sexual assault allegation involving a former assistant coach that occurred after the coaching transition to the Los Angeles Chargers. While the university maintains that it is focused on implementing recommendations from the review, the gap between the firm's findings and the public summary raises questions about administrative transparency and accountability within the department.
The scope of the probe was limited, as the law firm could not force former employees to cooperate. Staff members who have since left the university declined to participate in interviews, citing a desire to distance themselves from the organization entirely. One former staffer described the environment as a malfunctioning organization during his tenure.