Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore has been sentenced to probation, avoiding jail time, following a confrontation with a woman after his dismissal.
Moore pleaded no contest in March to misdemeanor charges of trespassing and malicious use of a telecom device. Despite a maximum penalty of six months in jail, his clean record granted the judge discretion.
Moore, 40, was fired on December 10 after two seasons leading the Wolverines, a stunning dismissal for the prestigious program that followed Jim Harbaugh's move to the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers.
On the day of his firing, Moore was accused of confronting a woman he was having an affair with, allegedly blaming her for his termination and threatening suicide with butter knives in her apartment.
Authorities said the woman had ended the affair and spoken to school officials.
Initially facing a felony home invasion charge and two additional counts, Washtenaw County prosecutors agreed to a deal. He pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors, dropping the felony.
The agreement followed defense lawyer Ellen Michaels' plan to challenge police methods for an arrest warrant. Moore was arrested peacefully in a parking lot, away from the woman's residence, and did not harm himself.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
