Judge grants hearing, expresses concerns ex-Michigan coach Moore may have had rights violated
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — A judge on Tuesday granted a request for a hearing to learn more about an investigation that led to charges against the former. University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moorewho was arrested Shortly after he was fired for his relationship with his executive assistant.
It’s a victory for Moore and attorney Ellen Michaels, who defended him against charges of home invasion, stalking and unlawful entry. Ultimately, they want the case to be dismissed.
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Moore, 40, is accused of breaking into the woman’s home on Dec. 10 and threatening to kill himself in front of her. Authorities quoted Moore as saying he was responsible for losing one of the nation’s college football jobs. He met with university officials.
Judge J. Cedric Simpson expressed concern that the police detective failed to disclose Moore’s employer-employee relationship with the woman when the judge issued a warrant for Moore’s arrest – “a glaring omission.”
“The defendant’s due process may have been violated,” Simpson said.
The judge, who set a hearing for March 2 to hear police and other witnesses, said: “This was not just a personal relationship. The judge should have been able to look at this.”
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Police said the woman ended her personal relationship with Moore just days before he was fired and did not respond to a dozen calls or some messages from him before his termination.
Michaels said it made sense for the coach to call and text his executive assistant while Moore was preparing his team for the bowl game.
“If the communication has a legitimate purpose, it is not harassment,” Michaels said.
Before Simpson set the hearing, Washtenaw County deputy prosecutor Kati Rezmierski said it wasn’t necessary and would be outside the judge’s discretion.
Moore coached the Wolverines for two seasons as his successor. Jim HarbaughHe won a national championship before leaving to become the coach of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers. Kyle WhittinghamCoached Utah for twenty years Michigan’s new coach.
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Michaels accused the woman’s personal lawyer of giving information to police to “discredit Mr. Moore and maximize his chances of getting a big settlement from the deep pockets of the University of Michigan.”
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Associated Press writer Ed White in Detroit contributed to this report.
