The University of Michigan is facing a fresh legal challenge as the former executive assistant to its dismissed football coach, Sherrone Moore, has filed a lawsuit alleging violations of the state's Freedom of Information Act. Paige Shiver is seeking the release of records related to the internal investigation that ultimately led to Moore's termination in December 2025.
Ms. Shiver initiated the lawsuit in Washtenaw County, requesting a court order for the university to release the denied public records and to award punitive damages. Her attorney, Andrew M. Stroth, emphasised the importance of the legal action in bringing "the truth and facts out" regarding the scandal.
Sherrone Moore was dismissed from his role as head coach following two seasons, taking over after Jim Harbaugh's departure for the NFL. Authorities alleged that Moore confronted Ms. Shiver after she ended what was described as an inappropriate relationship and subsequently spoke with university officials. Prosecutors stated that Moore blamed Ms. Shiver for his firing.
In April of this year, Moore pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of trespassing and malicious use of a telecommunications device, receiving an 18-month probation sentence. At the time, Ms. Shiver commented that the sentence "does not reflect the harm done to me."
According to the lawsuit, attorney Julie Murphy submitted multiple Freedom of Information Act requests between February and June this year, specifically seeking the investigative file concerning Moore's dismissal. The University of Michigan reportedly denied each of these requests. Mr. Stroth highlighted that the university paid a significant sum, £9.5 million (USD $12 million), to legal firm Jenner & Block to investigate the scandal, including alleged Title IX and Title VII violations within the athletic department, yet is now withholding the findings from public scrutiny.
A spokesperson for the University of Michigan, Paul Corliss, has declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.