Hook paragraph\n\n## President’s Address\n\nThe University of Michigan announced a sweeping review of its athletic department after football coach Sherrone Moore was fired and arrested on Dec. 10. Interim president Domenico Grasso delivered a 3 ½‑minute video address on Wednesday, describing the situation as a \\\”difficult week\\\” for the university. He said, \\\”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.\\\”\n\n## Investigation and Legal Action\n\nMoore was arrested hours after his termination, according to police. The arrest followed a break‑in at his former lover’s home, where he allegedly threatened to kill himself and told her that his \\\”blood is on your hands,\\\” prosecutors said. In response, the university hired the law firm Jenner & Block to investigate the incident. Grasso explained that the firm’s mandate has been broadened: \\\”We have expanded the Jenner & Block assignment to include an independent evaluation of culture, conduct and procedures throughout our athletics department.\\\” He added that the university is also working to strengthen the functional capacity of its university‑wide ethics, integrity and compliance office within the department of intercollegiate athletics.\n\n## A Legacy of Controversy\n\nMoore’s dismissal is the latest in a series of high‑profile scandals that have rattled the Wolverines. Earlier this year, former assistant football coach Matthew Weiss was indicted for hacking the digital accounts of 3,300 students to download intimate photos and videos, federal prosecutors said on March 30. The university’s 2024 national championship, won by defeating Washington 34‑13 on Jan. 8, was later tarnished by a massive sign‑stealing scandal. Two weeks after the title, the Los Angeles Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh, who had led Michigan to the championship. In August, the NCAA announced that Harbaugh would be banned from college sports until 2028 for \\\”unethical conduct\\\” in recruiting. A subsequent 10‑year ban, added because of the sign‑stealing, will keep him out of any NCAA roles until 2038.\n\nBasketball coach Juwan Howard was suspended after a post‑game swing at Wisconsin assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft on Feb. 20, 2022. Howard, a former \\\”Fab Five\\\” star, was not fired until March 2024, following an 8‑24 season. \\\”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.\\\”\n\n## Current Season and Future Bowl\n\nUnder Moore, Michigan finished the season 9‑3 overall and 7‑2 in the Big Ten. With interim coach Biff Poggi now in charge, the Wolverines will face Texas in the Cheez‑It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31.\n\n## Search for a New Head Coach\n\nGrasso emphasized that the university is actively searching for a new head football coach. He said, \\\”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.\\\” He added, \\\”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.\\\”\n\n## Key Takeaways\n\n- The university has hired Jenner & Block for a comprehensive culture review and will expand the investigation to cover conduct and procedures across athletics.\n- Multiple scandals—including Moore’s arrest, Weiss’s indictment, Harbaugh’s bans, and Howard’s suspension—have created a climate of scrutiny for Michigan sports.\n- Interim coach Biff Poggi will lead Michigan in the Citrus Bowl, while the university seeks a new head coach who embodies integrity and competitiveness.\n\nThe University of Michigan’s commitment to a culture of respect, integrity and excellence remains central to its response as it navigates these challenges and prepares for the future of its athletic programs.
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