Michigan's investigation into its football program and its broader athletic department could lead to findings of additional misconduct that could lead to more job terminations, the university's interim president, Domenico Grasso, said Wednesday.
In a video statement, Grasso described the week since the firing of football coach Sherrone Moore as “certainly a challenging time for our university community.”
Michigan fired Moore on Dec. 10 for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, discovered through a university investigation. Moore faces three criminal charges, including a felony count of third-degree criminal trespass, for allegedly confronting the staff member at his residence after being fired.
Michigan's investigation into Moore's conduct and the football program continues, and the university commissioned Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block to conduct a broader review of the athletic department's culture, conduct and procedures following a series of scandals.
“We will take all necessary measures to ensure that behavior like this does not occur again,” said Grasso, who took over as interim president in May and will step down when a permanent president takes office. “Make no mistake. We will leave no stone unturned, and any further action we take will be based on credible evidence and findings, developed through rigorous research.
“If the university obtains information through this investigation or otherwise that warrants the termination of any employee, we will act quickly, just as we did in the case of Coach Moore.”
Grasso encouraged anyone with information about misconduct within the football program or athletic department to contact Jenner & Block.
“Our goal is strictly to uncover the facts,” Grasso said. “It is my job, my duty, to ensure the integrity of this investigation.”
Grasso also briefly addressed Michigan's search for its next football coach. Athletic director Warde Manuel, who has led the department since 2016, has not publicly addressed the search, which he is expected to lead.
Biff Poggi, a member of Michigan's staff under Moore and his predecessor Jim Harbaugh, is serving as interim head coach for Michigan's upcoming Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas on Dec. 31.
“We will hire an individual who has the highest moral character and will serve as a role model and respected leader for the entire football program,” Grasso said. “And who, with dignity and integrity, will be a fierce competitor.”
