Michigan Football Coach Sherrone Moore Faces Two-Game Suspension Over Alleged Deleted Texts: What You Need to Know

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan is poised to suspend coach Sherrone Moore for two games. This decision stems from allegations that he deleted text messages exchanged with Connor Stalions, a former Michigan staffer linked to an NCAA investigation about advanced scouting.

Moore is set to coach the first two games, including one against his alma mater, Oklahoma, before facing suspension during the Week 3 and Week 4 games against Central Michigan and Nebraska. This news, first reported by ESPN, has not yet been confirmed by Michigan or the NCAA.

According to Michigan spokesman Dave Ablauf, the university cannot comment on ongoing NCAA investigations. The NCAA has accused Moore of deleting texts shortly after the Michigan investigation began, although these messages were later recovered and submitted to the NCAA. While Moore hasn’t denied the allegations, he expressed eagerness for the messages to be made public.

This case, involving Michigan, Stalions, and the NCAA, is progressing toward a hearing with the Committee on Infractions, expected later this summer. Preliminary reports suggest the NCAA’s allegations may involve Stalions, former coach Jim Harbaugh, and several assistant coaches.

Stalions, who left Michigan in 2023, allegedly orchestrated a plan to collect video footage of rival teams’ signals from the stands, using tickets he bought. The NCAA claims this violates a rule against advanced scouting.

There are also implications for two other coaches, former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and former defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale, who have faced penalties for unrelated recruiting violations. Clinkscale received a two-year show-cause order after admitting to giving improper benefits. Minter received a one-year show-cause notice for contacting recruits prematurely. Both coaches left Michigan in 2023 to join Harbaugh in Los Angeles.

Harbaugh himself was suspended for three games in 2023 due to violations related to these sign-stealing allegations, as well as a separate NCAA investigation concerning COVID-19 protocols. His suspensions only affected games. However, new NCAA rules now extend suspensions to all team activities during that week, and reports suggest Moore may not participate in practice during his suspension.

Moore signed a five-year contract as Michigan’s head coach last year. This contract includes provisions that protect him from being fired for violations occurring prior to its execution, provided the university was aware of any relevant facts before the contract was signed.

While the situation develops, it highlights the ongoing scrutiny around college sports and governance, especially regarding compliance with NCAA regulations. With public interest at its peak, reactions are mixed. Some fans express outrage, while others call for greater transparency in college athletics.

For more on the latest in NCAA investigations, refer to official updates from the NCAA here.

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Michigan Wolverines, College Football