Introduction to the University of Michigan’s Pledge
The University of Michigan "will leave no stone unturned" during a thorough "evaluation of culture" inside the school’s scandal-plagued athletic department, its president said Wednesday, days after football coach Sherrone Moore’s firing and arrest.
Background on the Incident
Interim university president Domenico Grasso’s 3 1/2-minute-long video address follows the Dec. 10 termination of Moore, who allegedly carried on an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with staff member. Moore was arrested hours later after, police said, he broke into his former lover’s home and threatened to kill himself, telling her that his “blood is on your hands,” prosecutors said.
University President’s Statement
"This past week has been a difficult one for the University of Michigan," Grasso said. "I want to underscore that the University of Michigan is committed to a campus culture of respect, integrity and excellence. That is why we took decisive action last week to terminate the employment of coach Moore and we are continuing the investigation of coach Moore’s actions to uncover any additional germane, material information and to assess whether there may be related misconduct by others."
Investigation and Next Steps
Earlier, the school announced the hiring of law firm Jenner & Block to investigate the Moore incident. "We have expanded the Jenner & Block assignment to include an independent evaluation of culture, conduct and procedures throughout our athletics department," Grasso said. "In parallel, we are committed to strengthening the functional capacity of our university wide ethics, integrity and compliance office within the department of intercollegiate athletics."
Impact on the Community
While Grasso’s address didn’t call out any other alleged bad acts beyond Moore’s, the football coach’s termination and arrest were just the latest in a string of recent, embarrassing incidents that have rocked the Wolverines. "This is, no doubt, a challenging time for our community," Grasso said. "I understand the anger and disillusionment that many in our community may be experiencing but our core values and principles will be embodied in how we respond to these challenges and will reflect our character."
Future of the Football Program
Under Moore, the Wolverines went 9-3 overall and 7-2 in the rugged Big Ten this season. With interim coach Biff Poggi now at the helm, Michigan plays Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31. "As we conduct our search for our next head football coach, we intend to hire an individual who can and will instill that spirit and who will represent the highest values that our university holds dear," Grasso said. "We will hire an individual who is of the highest moral character and who will serve as a role model and respected leader for the entire football program, and who will, with dignity and integrity, be a fierce competitor."
Conclusion
The University of Michigan is taking a significant step towards addressing the cultural issues within its athletic department. By conducting a thorough evaluation and hiring a new coach who embodies the university’s values, the school is working towards creating a positive and respectful environment for its students and staff.
FAQs
Q: Why was Sherrone Moore fired and arrested?
A: Moore was fired for allegedly carrying on an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a staff member and was later arrested for breaking into his former lover’s home and threatening to kill himself.
Q: What is the university doing to address the cultural issues in its athletic department?
A: The university has hired a law firm to investigate the Moore incident and is conducting an independent evaluation of culture, conduct, and procedures throughout its athletics department.
Q: What are the university’s plans for the football program?
A: The university is currently conducting a search for a new head football coach who will instill the university’s values and serve as a role model for the entire football program.
