The woman at the heart of the downfall of ex-Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore believes the university failed to prevent Moore from using his power as her boss to manipulate, harass and exploit her for years, according to a new statement from her lawyers.
The statement is the first public comment tied to Paige Shiver, Moore’s 32-year-old former executive assistant with whom the coach had the affair and who’s apartment he entered after his firing. Until now, she has not publicly identified herself in connection to Moore or his criminal case.
Advertisement
Her lawyers sent the statement late Friday, March 6, hours after Moore and prosecutors agreed to a deal where the former coach pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors.
Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore makes an appearance at the 14A District Court in Ann Arbor on Friday, March 6, 2026. After Moore pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors, lawyers for Paige Shiver – his former executive assistant with whom he had a two-year affair – said she wants the university to be held accountable.
While the criminal case may be soon resolved, the statement from Shiver’s lawyers makes clear they want action by the university.
“This case is about far more than one terrifying incident. It raises urgent and troubling questions about how a powerful figure within a major university athletic program was able to engage in years of inappropriate conduct toward a subordinate without meaningful intervention or oversight,” reads the statement by Andrew M. Stroth and Steven A. Hart, two Chicago-based lawyers.
Advertisement
“Our client believes strongly that she may not be the only person who experienced inappropriate, coercive, or predatory behavior from this individual.”
In a brief interview Saturday, March, 7, Stroth said Shiver hired himself and Hart months ago. They did not want to speak publicly until the criminal case concluded.
Now, they want accountability from U-M.
“The University of Michigan is one of the most well-regarded institutions in the world, yet they have an athletic department that has a pattern and practice of systemic failures. Our pursuit on behalf of Ms. Shiver is to get some level of accountability and justice so this doesn’t happen to other individuals,” Stroth said.
Advertisement
A U-M spokesman and Moore’s lawyer declined to comment.
On Friday afternoon, Moore pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors: “malicious use of service provided by telecommunications service provider” and trespassing. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the felony and two other misdemeanors they originally brought against Moore. Moore is scheduled for sentencing in April; jail time is not expected.
After the hearing, Moore’s lawyer, Ellen Michaels, reiterated her client was innocent of the original charges while noting he is “pleased to put this behind him and move on.” Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit said, “It is our hope that this resolution will ensure accountability, and allow the victim an opportunity to heal and move forward.”
Moore, 40, was fired by the university on Dec. 10 after they determined he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with Shiver and was dishonest about it. Shiver filed a report with the university about the relationship that day, according to police records. Prosecutors say that afternoon, Moore barged into Shiver’s apartment and picked up two butter knives — something her lawyers reiterated in their statement.
Advertisement
Police records indicate that Moore acknowledged being in a romantic relationship with Shiver, but he denied assaulting or threatening her with any weapons.
Shiver’s lawyers said what happened at her apartment that day, “left our client fearful for her safety and deeply traumatized.”
Their latest statement clearly focuses on the university, specifically calling on university leaders and the Board of Regents to, “take the swift and decisive action needed to make amends for the University’s painful missteps and to restore a genuine sense of trust and respect among its employees, students, and alums.”
“Our client came forward at tremendous personal cost because she believes that silence allows abuse of power to continue. Her hope is that by speaking out, others who may have been intimidated into remaining quiet will find the strength to share their experiences as well,” the statement reads.
Advertisement
Shivers lawyers are calling for an investigation into both Moore and the university. In the fall, U-M hired Jenner & Block, a national law firm, to look into the situation around Moore. The scope of that work expanded in late 2025 to include a broader review of the culture of the athletic department.
Recent invoices show U-M already paid the Jenner & Block law firm $2 million. That total is expected to rise, as there is no indication when the firm may complete its work.
As of this week, Shiver has not filed a lawsuit in relation to the situation. But one could be coming. On Friday, Michaels said Moore wanted to plead no contest, in part, due to the possibility of civil liability. A guilty plea could be used against him in a civil lawsuit.
Last week, a U-M spokesman confirmed Shiver’s contract to work in the athletic department was not renewed. Records show it expired in late February.
Reach Dave Boucher at dboucher@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Sherrone Moore’s ex-assistant wants ‘accountability’ from U-M, lawyer says
