The former executive assistant of fired Sherrone Moore is suing the University of Michigan, alleging the school violated the state's Freedom of Information Act by refusing to release records related to the investigation that led to the football coach's dismissal.
Paige Shiver filed the lawsuit Wednesday in Washtenaw County, seeking the requested records and punitive damages after the university denied multiple public records requests submitted on her behalf.
"It was important for our client to file this initial FOIA lawsuit to ensure the truth and facts come out," attorney Andrew M. Stroth said.
University spokesperson Paul Corliss declined to comment.
Moore was fired in December after two seasons as Michigan's head coach, following Jim Harbaugh's departure for the NFL.
Authorities alleged Moore confronted Shiver after she ended what they described as an inappropriate relationship and spoke with university officials. Prosecutors said Moore blamed her for his firing.
In April, Moore pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of trespassing and malicious use of a telecommunications device. He was sentenced to 18 months of probation.
Shiver said afterward that the sentence "does not reflect the harm done to me."
According to the lawsuit, attorney Julie Murphy submitted a series of Freedom of Information Act requests between February and June seeking records, including the investigative file into Moore's firing. The university denied each request.
Stroth said the public deserves access to the investigation.
"This public university paid Jenner & Block $12 million to investigate the Sherrone Moore scandal and the abuse, Title IX and Title VII violations within the athletic department and Schembechler Hall, yet now refuses to release the investigation's findings," he said.
The lawsuit asks the court to order the university to release the records and award punitive damages.
