The University of Michigan is facing fresh legal turmoil as former linebackers coach Chris Partridge has filed a lawsuit against the school, athletic director Warde Manuel, and the Board of Regents. Partridge, who was fired during the 2023 sign-stealing scandal, alleges that the university actively worked to conceal details regarding the controversy that previously embroiled the program.
Beyond the sign-stealing allegations, the lawsuit claims that Michigan leadership was aware of an affair between then-coach Sherrone Moore and his executive assistant, Paige Shivers, long before his eventual firing. According to legal documents obtained by the Detroit Free Press, the filing alleges that Warde Manuel and other university officials were informed of the relationship for years but failed to take action to protect the employee involved. Moore, who took over head coaching duties after Jim Harbaugh departed for the Los Angeles Chargers, was terminated in December of last year following the disclosure of the relationship.
Additional reports from the Wall Street Journal indicate that Warde Manuel had addressed the affair with Moore before he transitioned into the head coaching role in 2024. Handwritten notes from Manuel suggest he advised Moore that Shivers could not accompany him on team trips, noting, "I told him I didn’t remember if we had already discussed, but that she couldn’t accompany him on trips."
Internal scrutiny regarding the relationship reportedly intensified during the 2024 preseason camp, when both players and staff members expressed concerns. These complaints were subsequently escalated to the university’s human resources department. While Sherrone Moore is currently serving an 18-month probation, the legal action from Partridge adds significant pressure to the athletic department, which has already faced heavy public criticism regarding its handling of leadership and integrity issues during the tenure of former head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh is preparing for his third season with the AFC West franchise after making consecutive postseason appearances.However, the controversy surrounding Harbaugh's former team, the Michigan Wolverines, has grabbed headlines this week.
