Paige Shiver, who once served as executive assistant to former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore, has filed a lawsuit accusing the University of Michigan of violating the Freedom of Information Act by refusing to turn over records tied to Moore’s dismissal.
A scandal that reverberates beyond the field
The dispute stems from a scandal that erupted when Moore’s inappropriate relationship with Shiver was uncovered, prompting his termination and subsequent legal action. Moore later pleaded no contest to trespassing and malicious use of a telecom device, receiving an 18‑month probation sentence that Shiver has publicly criticized as insufficient given the damage inflicted on her reputation.
In her complaint, Shiver seeks the release of investigative files that emerged from a $12 million probe conducted by the law firm Jenner & Block. She argues that the university’s refusal to disclose the findings not only contravenes FOIA obligations but also deprives her of evidence needed to pursue punitive damages.
Attorney Ellen Michaels, who represents Shiver, has questioned the integrity of the investigative process, asserting that irregularities in how police gathered and shared information may have influenced the issuance of an arrest warrant.
Attorney Julie Murphy, another member of the legal team, dispatched a series of FOIA requests to the university, all of which were denied, prompting the current litigation.
The case underscores broader concerns about transparency in public institutions and the potential chilling effect on employees who come forward with allegations of misconduct.