Paige Shiver, the former executive assistant to Sherrone Moore, has publicly broken her silence following the dismissal of criminal charges against the ex-University of Michigan football coach. In a statement released on Monday through the Action Injury Law Group, Shiver accused the university of failing to shield her from what she described as "years of manipulation, harassment, and exploitation."
Allegations of Power Imbalance and Institutional Failure
Shiver's legal team asserts that a significant power imbalance fostered an environment where she felt pressured and unable to escape the situation. Her attorney, Andrew M. Stroth, emphasized to The Detroit News that Moore "took advantage of a younger, female employee" and that university leadership neglected to intervene for an extended period.
The statement further contends that a "powerful head coach" cultivated conditions that should never be tolerated at a major public institution like the University of Michigan. "Institutions entrusted with the education and safety of students and employees have a fundamental duty to ensure that power is never used to exploit or silence others," the declaration read.
Call for Investigation and Personal Sacrifice
Shiver's representatives are demanding a comprehensive and transparent inquiry into the conduct and any associated institutional shortcomings. "Our client came forward at tremendous personal cost because she believes that silence allows abuse of power to continue," the statement elaborated.
Stroth refrained from detailing the relationship's specifics but noted that Moore's dismissal over the affair indicated it was unequivocally inappropriate. "Leadership knew and failed to act to protect her," he stated. "This isn't something that happened overnight, it happened over a long period of time."
Legal Proceedings and Plea Agreement
These explosive allegations emerge after a Friday hearing where three felony counts against Moore, including a home invasion charge carrying a potential five-year prison sentence, were dropped. The 40-year-old former coach instead pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges: trespassing and malicious use of a telecommunications device in a private relationship.
Although the plea could theoretically lead to six months of jail time at his sentencing scheduled for April 14, Moore's defense team anticipates the agreement will result in no incarceration. The controversy stems from an "inappropriate relationship" that precipitated Moore's firing and arrest in December, triggered by a distressing 911 call from Shiver's residence.
Incident Details and Defense Arguments
Prosecutors allege the incident commenced when Moore forcibly entered Shiver's apartment shortly after his termination, reportedly threatening her with knives. Court transcripts reveal that Moore, a father of three, allegedly told his former assistant "my blood is on your hands" when she attempted to end the romance.
Despite these grave accusations, Moore's attorney, Ellen Michaels, defended the plea deal, asserting that "the system worked" and the felony charges were unfounded. Michaels argued the initial arrest warrant contained "glaring" omissions by law enforcement, notably failing to mention Shiver was Moore's employee at the time.
Judge J. Cedric Simpson had previously suggested Moore's due process rights might have been compromised by an "intentional misdirection" in the police warrant. The defense claimed Shiver's lawyers supplied information to authorities to "villainize" Moore and pursue a financial settlement from the university's "deep pockets."
Financial and Personal Context
While Shiver is now unemployed, university records indicate her salary increased by 70.6 percent over three seasons, rising from $58,025 in 2022 to $99,000 in 2025. She is the daughter of Chicago Bears scout Jeff Shiver, who has attended Michigan games with her during her tenure in Ann Arbor.
Athletic Director Warde Manuel previously characterized the relationship as a "clear violation" of university policy, leading to the appointment of veteran coach Kyle Whittingham. Despite the institution's proclaimed "zero tolerance" stance, Shiver's representatives insist the university had an obligation to prevent power from being exploited.
Ongoing Fallout and Future Implications
Both the University of Michigan and Moore's legal team have declined to comment further following the release of Shiver's statement on Monday morning. As Moore awaits his April sentencing, attention is shifting toward a potentially expanding investigation into the culture within the Michigan athletic department, raising questions about accountability and protection mechanisms at the highest levels of collegiate sports.
