This week, the University of Michigan sent a 137-page response to the NCAA regarding its ongoing sign-stealing investigation.
One of the pieces of evidence uncovered by the NCAA said that Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator at the time and current head coach, deleted dozens of text messages between himself and staff member Connor Stalions on the day news of the scandal broke. Stalions is the man at the center of the sign-stealing scandal. According to the Michigan response, Moore says he erased the texts out of anger.
“So, (I) deleted all the information — all Connor, on my personal phone,” Moore said in the document. “And it wasn’t to hide anything, it was just that — I was just extremely angry of, you know, the type of person that would do that to this program and these kids.”
That may be Moore’s story, but few people seem to be buying it.
“Sherrone Moore trying to save face by deleting texts and saying he did it out of pure anger and rage because of the consequences the school and team could face,” one person said.
“Sherrone Moore thinks that saying ‘I was just SO mad that I deleted every text between connor and I, as well as everything about the investigation,’ is perfectly plausible. Did he ask a 4yr old for advice on an explanation?!” a second person wondered.
“No idea what will happen but Sherrone Moore’s deleting text explanation is a bizarre look,” an Ohio State fan said.
“Sherrone Moore saying he deleted his texts with Connor Stalions, not to erase his connection with him, but to erase him from his memory, is the funniest lie I’ve ever heard,” another Ohio State fan added.
“So Moore deleted 52 texts the day the news broke b/c he didn’t Stallions to get credit for their championship run? What a b——- answer,” a fifth person chimed in.
Whether Moore is telling the truth about his motivations or not, one thing is certain. It’s going to take a little while longer to sort this all out.
Michigan won the national championship under Jim Harbaugh in 2023, going 15-0. After Harbaugh left for the NFL, Moore replaced him as head coach.
In his first season at the helm, he led the Wolverines to an 8-5 record, including a win over Ohio State in the regular season finale and Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Related: Sherrone Moore Reveals Why He Deleted Messages With Connor Stalions