Former University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore is not guilty of the allegations levied against him by a female staff member, his attorney argued outside court on Thursday, January 22.
“Sherrone Moore is innocent of these charges,” Moore’s attorney, Ellen Michaels, said after a probable cause conference at the Washtenaw County courthouse. “Today, on behalf of Mr. Moore, we filed a motion to quash the arrest warrant and dismiss the complaint.”
Michaels claimed Moore’s arrest warrant was “based on false and misleading statements presented as fact.”
“We’re confident the truth will come out in court under oath where it belongs,” Michaels continued. “Mr. Moore and his family respectfully ask for your privacy.”
Moore, 39, was joined by his wife, Kelli Moore, and the couple stood next to Michaels as she made her remarks to reporters.
All three individuals then made their way to a black SUV and drove away. Moore did not respond to reporters’ questions.
During Thursday’s probable cause conference, Moore’s defense team requested another 30 days of discovery in relation to phone records and Title IX documents.
Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
“There were statements made and things done earlier that day [when Moore was arrested] made by the complaining witness that will be important to this investigation because credibility will always be an issue,” Michaels said in court.
Prosecutors have until February 2 to respond to the request to quash the arrest warrant.
A hearing has been set for February 17 on the discovery materials sought by the defense and a probable cause conference will now be held on March 19.
Moore was fired as head coach at Michigan on December 10 after a university investigation uncovered an alleged “inappropriate relationship” with a female member of the football staff.
Hours after he was terminated, Moore allegedly barged into the apartment of the woman and threatened to harm her and himself.
Moore was charged with one count of third-degree felony home invasion, one count misdemeanor stalking related to a domestic relationship and one count misdemeanor breaking and entering on December 12.
He was released on $25,000 bond and ordered to wear a GPS tracking device, which Moore was wearing at his court appearance on Thursday.
Moore has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
“[The staff member] advised that she was carrying her belongings downstairs to leave, and while inside of her apartment she heard footsteps outside,” court records stated. “[She] indicated that she ran towards the door to secure it, but before she could, Mr. Moore swung the door open and barged into her apartment with tears in his eyes.”
The records continued, “[The staff member] indicated that she was approximately 5 feet from the door when he made entry. She advised that she began backing up and as he was approaching her. [She] advised that Moore grabbed two knives out of her drawer and pointed them at her, ‘You ruined my life. You ruined my life.’”
