The University of Michigan faces mounting internal pressure as a federal lawsuit alleges university leaders suppressed evidence of football program misconduct, including a sign-stealing scandal and former coach Sherrone Moore’s affair. While Athletic Director Warde Manuel remains under scrutiny, the Board of Regents meets Thursday amid speculation regarding his tenure.
Federal Lawsuit Alleges Institutional Cover-Up
Allegations of institutional mismanagement at the University of Michigan have intensified following an updated federal lawsuit filed by former linebackers coach Chris Partridge.
Partridge’s legal team argues that this effort was intended to hide evidence of a broad sign-stealing operation that extended beyond former staffer Connor Stalions to include members of the coaching staff.
Partridge, who was fired in 2023, contends he was used as a scapegoat
for the program’s failures. The lawsuit alleges that university leaders were aware of misconduct long before it became public, specifically regarding the computer records of former assistant coach Matthew Weiss, which reportedly contained evidence of both the sign-stealing scheme and alleged criminal activity involving student records.
Investigation Into Sherrone Moore’s Conduct
The university’s recent turmoil is compounded by the December 2025 firing of head coach Sherrone Moore. An independent investigation by the law firm Jenner & Block subsequently concluded that the university’s internal response to these allegations was insufficient.
Moore faces separate legal challenges stemming from his post-termination conduct. Following his firing, he was arrested and charged with third-degree felony home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering. Prosecutors allege Moore entered the former staffer’s residence and threatened self-harm with kitchen utensils. His defense attorney, Ellen Michaels, has moved to dismiss the charges, arguing they rely on false and misleading statements presented as fact,
according to reporting by Detroitnews.
Board of Regents and the Future of Warde Manuel
As the university navigates these legal battles, the status of Athletic Director Warde Manuel remains a focal point for the Board of Regents. Although the agenda for the upcoming July 16 meeting in Traverse City does not explicitly list the athletic department investigation or Manuel’s future, board rules allow any regent to propose topics for action, per The Detroit News.
The university has invested heavily in assessing its internal culture. Reports indicate the school has spent approximately $12 million on private investigations into the athletic department.
Manuel has publicly dismissed speculation regarding his job security.
“Don’t believe everything out there. … I think I’ve been fired by social media three time(s). It’s nonsense. It affects my staff and my family.”
Financial and Competitive Stakes
Moore, who signed a five-year contract, was denied his buyout due to his for-cause termination. Meanwhile, the university continues to face legal pressure from the staffer involved in the Moore investigation, who has sued the school for allegedly withholding records related to the case.
For the Michigan football program, the path forward remains uncertain. The team, which won the national championship in 2023, has seen significant turnover in leadership and faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its compliance with NCAA regulations. As the Board of Regents gathers this week, the primary question remains whether the university will choose to waive attorney-client privilege regarding its internal investigations or continue to withhold findings from the public and the NCAA.
Find more reporting in our Sport news section.
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