What began as an offseason roster move has ballooned into another ugly chapter for Michigan football, as a former wide receiver leveled explosive accusations tied to the short and scandal-plagued tenure of ex-coach Sherrone Moore.
According to the New York Post, Anthony Simpson, a wideout who transferred to Michigan last offseason from Massachusetts, entered the transfer portal last week and later accused the program of unfairly limiting his playing time.
In a since-deleted post on X, Simpson claimed internal dysfunction — including alleged blackmail involving Moore — cost him a real opportunity to see the field.
“If I kept my mouth closed no one would know that I was a part of a scandal that impacted the team and impacted my chance to add to my production in college,” Simpson wrote, according to multiple reports. “Tried to stay at Michigan but the ‘GM’ [Sean Magee] said there wasn’t a roster spot for me. God has plans for us all and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me. Thank you Michigan.”
Simpson went further, alleging that favoritism and pressure inside the program directly affected personnel decisions.
“Targets vs non targets, I was the best slot receiver for Michigan and I was treated unfairly due to [Sherrone] Moore being blackmailed by players and staff members,” he wrote. “Which jeopardized my opportunity to get on the field.”
He also touted his performance in practice.
“Fastest player on the team and I won reps every day in practice. Only there for fall camp. Our team captains also advocated for me to play. I was denied fairness.”
Moore, 39, was fired for cause on Dec. 10 after the university concluded he had engaged in an “inappropriate” relationship with his executive assistant, Paige Shiver.
He was arrested later that same day by Pittsfield police in connection with an alleged assault.
Michigan’s current starting slot receiver, Semaj Morgan, appeared to push back publicly.
“Y’all let people tell y’all anything and believe it,” Morgan wrote, according to Click On Detroit.
Some former Wolverines, however, hinted there may be more beneath the surface.
“if only y’all knew and understood a .10 of what he really saying tho,” former Michigan wide receiver Cristian Dixon posted on X, adding laughing emojis.
Simpson later announced he has transferred to Toledo.
Meanwhile, Moore’s legal troubles continue to unfold. He has been charged with felony home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering, and is due back in court Jan. 22.
Prosecutors allege Moore broke into Shiver’s home, grabbed butter knives and scissors, and told her, “I am going to kill myself. I’m going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life.”
Moore was released on a $25,000 bond and ordered to wear a GPS monitor while having no contact with Shiver.
In a 911 call obtained earlier this month, Moore’s wife, Kelli, told a dispatcher she was “worried my husband is going to hurt himself” after learning of his firing.
The couple welcomed their third daughter last summer, as the fallout from Moore’s brief and chaotic era continues to ripple through the program.
