Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore will avoid a courtroom trial after reaching a plea agreement tied to a December incident involving a former staffer he had been romantically involved with.
Moore entered a no-contest plea Friday to malicious use of a telecommunications device and one count of trespass, according to the Detroit Free Press, citing First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kati Rezmierski.
According to the New York Post, the agreement means Moore will not face trial in the case, which stemmed from allegations that he forced his way into the Ann Arbor apartment of a woman after their relationship became public.
Prosecutors had previously filed multiple charges against Moore after the December incident.
Authorities said the married father of three stormed into the apartment of his former assistant and romantic partner, Paige Shriver, and threatened to kill himself during the confrontation.
According to earlier allegations, Moore had barged into the residence while holding a knife, an incident that ultimately triggered the criminal investigation.
The plea deal resolves the case without requiring testimony from Shriver in court.
Moore’s decision to enter a no-contest plea came during a brief court appearance on Friday.
During the hearing, Judge Simpson questioned Moore to ensure he understood both the charges and the implications of entering such a plea.
The judge also noted that the court treats a “no contest” plea the same as it would a guilty plea.
Moore spoke only briefly during the proceeding as the judge confirmed that he understood the nature of the agreement, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Under the deal, several of the more serious accusations previously filed against the former coach will no longer move forward.
Moore had originally been charged with multiple offenses related to the confrontation, including third-degree felony home invasion.
Those charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement, the outlet reported.
The case marked a dramatic fall for the former Michigan football coach, whose arrest in December brought intense scrutiny to the circumstances surrounding his relationship with the former staff member.
By entering the no-contest plea, Moore avoids a trial that could have required testimony and further details about the alleged incident to be presented in court.
The plea brings the criminal case to a close while leaving the court to treat Moore’s plea as an admission equivalent to guilt under the law.
