Former Michigan Staffer Says Athletic Department Failed to Protect Her From Moore's Harassment

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A former Michigan football staffer has come forward with allegations that the athletic department failed to protect her from harassment by then-head coach Sherrone Moore, describing their relationship as an "open secret" that leadership chose not to address.

Paige Shiver, who previously worked within the Michigan football program, publicly characterized her relationship with Moore as widely known among athletic department personnel, according to statements she made. Shiver alleged that those in leadership positions did not take sufficient action to protect her from the former Wolverines head coach.

The allegations raise questions about institutional oversight and workplace protections within one of college football's most prominent programs. Moore, who served as Michigan's head coach, is no longer with the program.

Allegations of Institutional Failure

Shiver's characterization of the situation as an "open secret" suggests that multiple individuals within the athletic department may have been aware of the relationship and its problematic nature. Her statements indicate a belief that university leadership had knowledge of the situation but failed to intervene appropriately to ensure her safety and professional well-being.

The specific timeline of events, the nature of the alleged harassment, and the identities of leadership figures who may have been aware remain unclear from available information. Shiver's public statements focus on systemic failures rather than detailing specific incidents.

Context and Implications

The allegations come amid heightened scrutiny of workplace conduct in college athletics, where power dynamics between coaches and staff members can create vulnerable situations. Athletic departments at major universities have faced increasing pressure to establish clear protocols for reporting and addressing misconduct.

Michigan's athletic department has not publicly responded to Shiver's specific allegations regarding institutional failures. The university's policies on workplace harassment and the procedures available to staff members who experience misconduct have not been detailed in connection with this case.

Moore's Departure and Current Status

Moore is no longer serving as Michigan's head coach, though the circumstances and timing of his departure in relation to these allegations have not been publicly clarified. The former coach has not issued public statements addressing Shiver's characterization of their relationship or her allegations of departmental failures.

The lack of detailed information about any internal investigations, disciplinary actions, or policy changes following the alleged incidents leaves significant questions unanswered about how the university handled the matter.

What we know: Former Michigan football staffer Paige Shiver has stated that her relationship with ex-head coach Sherrone Moore was an "open secret" within the athletic department and that leadership failed to adequately protect her. Moore is no longer with the program. What's unclear: The specific timeline of events, details of the alleged harassment, what actions if any the university took in response, and whether any investigations were conducted remain undisclosed.