Michigan's public summary of its $12 million investigation into the athletic department did not include several concerns investigators raised about the school's handling of personnel issues, coaching controversies and potential reputational risks, according to reporting from The Wall Street Journal.
The Journal's Corinne Ramey and Rachel Bachman reported Wednesday that Jenner & Block, the law firm Michigan hired to investigate former football coach Sherrone Moore and the culture within the athletic department, identified "a series of potential red flags" that extended beyond Moore's affair with Paige Shiver.
Those findings were presented to Michigan officials in a detailed slideshow prepared by the firm. The slideshow, which the Journal reviewed and has not released publicly, included concerns involving Moore, former men's basketball coach Juwan Howard and former women's water polo coach Cassie Churnside.
According to Jenner & Block's findings, Michigan officials were aware of several potential reputational risks involving Moore before his relationship with a staff member became public. Investigators found that officials were informed about Moore's online interactions with an OnlyFans model in March 2024, were aware of social media activity involving women that surfaced during an athletic department background check and knew about his interactions with a Michigan fan who posted revealing photos online. The firm also included a photo in its slideshow showing Moore's vehicle parked at Shiver's apartment complex.
Moore's attorney declined the Journal's request for comment.
Jenner & Block's investigation also raised broader questions about how Michigan handled issues involving other coaches. The firm found that athletic department officials received complaints about Churnside's "abusive, unprofessional behavior" beginning in 2023. Parents later raised concerns, two internal complaints were filed and Churnside received formal warnings before resigning in March.
The firm also examined Michigan's handling of Howard, noting the university's response after his televised altercation with a Wisconsin assistant coach in 2022. Howard was suspended for five games and fined $40,000, but investigators highlighted that he remained in place until March 2024 after another verbal confrontation and an 8-24 season. The slideshow labeled the 2022 incident "One Free Punch."
Jenner & Block also identified concerns within Michigan football that stretched across multiple coaching regimes. The firm cited NCAA findings that Jim Harbaugh's program was "largely dismissive of rules compliance" during the sign-stealing and recruiting controversies. Investigators also noted a 2024 sexual assault allegation involving former assistant coach LaTroy Lewis after Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers. Lewis' attorney has maintained that he is innocent.
A Michigan spokesman said the university is focused on implementing recommendations from the investigation and declined to comment on confidential interviews.
"The university has publicly shared the principal findings, recommendations and actions resulting from those reviews," the spokesman said.
Although Jenner & Block interviewed approximately 300 people, the firm could not compel individuals — particularly those no longer employed by Michigan — to participate. One example was Biff Poggi, who served three stints on Michigan's football staff and later described the program as a "malfunctioning organization."
When asked to participate in the investigation, Poggi declined.
“I am not interested in speaking to you or anyone else,” he wrote in a text message to the firm. “I have put Michigan in my rearview mirror and I’m keeping it there. I’m glad I’m gone.”
