Michigan President Defends Warde Manuel After Board of Regents Meeting

President Grasso Affirms Support for Warde Manuel

The affirmation comes amid reports earlier in the week suggesting the university was considering parting ways with Manuel. While Grasso maintained his confidence in Manuel, the athletic director himself expressed uncertainty about his tenure during a Tuesday interview with WTKA host Sam Webb. Manuel stated, “I don’t know what the future is going to be and how long I’ll be in this position,” though he added that he is “not 100% certain” where things are going and remains confident in his work for the university’s student-athletes, staff, and fans.

Jenner & Block Investigation and Findings

The scrutiny surrounding Manuel stems from an investigation commissioned by the university and conducted by the law firm Jenner & Block. The probe focused on two primary areas: the culture and practices of the athletic department under Manuel, and the inappropriate relationship between former head football coach Sherrone Moore and his assistant, Paige Shiver. Moore was fired for cause in December following the findings of that relationship.

According to reporting from The Wall Street Journal, the investigation concluded that the university’s response to the Moore-Shiver relationship was “inadequate” and that responsibility for handling misconduct allegations within the department was often “unclear.” The report noted that warning signs emerged throughout 2024, including concerns raised by Manuel, a report from Shiver’s father, and complaints made to the university.

For more on this story, see Michigan AD Warde Manuel Defends Record, Affirms Commitment to Stay at School.

Additionally, the investigation identified broader compliance failures. It found that the university failed to implement recommendations from a previous sexual misconduct review and that the athletics compliance officer reported directly to Manuel rather than the university’s Office of General Counsel.

Legal Battles and Financial Costs

The cost of the Jenner & Block investigation has continued to rise, with recent reports indicating it has crossed the $12 million threshold. Despite the expense, the university has resisted releasing the findings to the public.

Michigan recently denied a public records request for the report’s findings, conclusions, and analysis. While the university acknowledged it possesses these records—a reversal of its previous position that no such documents existed—officials argued the materials are protected by attorney-client privilege. Meanwhile, Paige Shiver is currently suing the university for the release of the report’s findings.

Board of Regents Meeting Details

University officials had been adamant throughout the week that the Jenner & Block report and Manuel’s future were not on the agenda for the Thursday meeting. This remained the case during the one-hour proceedings in Traverse City. When asked by MLive’s Sam Jane if there was an update on the status of the investigation or if the results would be released to the public, President Grasso responded, “Uh, that’s under consideration. We’re still thinking about it.”

The meeting was livestreamed, though the broadcast was cut early due to persistent audio issues that lasted throughout the session.

Find more reporting in our Sports section.