In a season already marked by controversy, a new allegation has surfaced that adds another layer to the unraveling saga surrounding Michigan football and its former head coach, Sherrone Moore.
Anthony Simpson, a wide receiver who transferred out of Michigan and is now with Ohio, claims that his playing time in Ann Arbor was limited due to internal blackmail involving Moore. According to Simpson, several Wolverines players allegedly threatened to expose Moore’s inappropriate relationship with a staff member, and that leverage may have influenced personnel decisions-including his own role on the team.
Simpson shared his story in a since-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“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.
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 ❤️🙏🏿”
The post points to a deeper dysfunction inside the program during Moore’s tenure, hinting at internal power struggles and off-field issues that may have impacted on-field decisions. While Simpson didn’t see much action under Moore, he did shine during his time at UMass in 2023, putting up 57 receptions for 792 yards and three touchdowns-numbers that show he has the talent to contribute when given the opportunity.
Moore’s own fall from grace was swift and dramatic. He was fired on December 10 after the university became aware of his inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
That same day, he was taken into custody by police for allegedly threatening the woman involved. Just two days later, Moore appeared in court and was formally charged with stalking, breaking and entering, and third-degree home invasion.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
It’s a stunning turn for a coach who, not long ago, was seen as a rising star in college football. Moore served as Michigan’s interim head coach for one game in 2023 while Jim Harbaugh served a suspension tied to the program’s sign-stealing scandal. After Harbaugh left to take the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, Moore was promoted to the top job in Ann Arbor.
His first full season as head coach saw Michigan go 8-5, capped by a win over Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. In 2025, the Wolverines posted a 9-3 record under Moore before his dismissal. Biff Poggi stepped in as interim head coach for the Citrus Bowl, where Michigan fell to Texas, 41-27.
The university has since turned the page, hiring longtime Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to lead the program moving forward.
As for Simpson, he’s looking ahead, hoping that a new chapter at Ohio will bring both stability and opportunity. But his claims have added another wrinkle to a turbulent period for one of college football’s most storied programs-raising questions about what was really going on behind the scenes in Ann Arbor during Moore’s brief but eventful tenure.