The University of Michigan football team is busy getting ready for their bowl game, but they’re still bitter about the scandal that has drawn their program into the spotlight.
“It has been a tumultuous time,” interim head football coach Biff Poggi told reporters on Monday, December 15. “A lot of anger. At first disbelief, then anger, then really, what we’re in right now is the phase of the kids, quite frankly, feel very betrayed. We’re trying to work through that.”
Poggi, 66, took over for Sherrone Moore, who was fired by the University of Michigan on Wednesday, December 10, after an investigation uncovered “credible evidence” of an “inappropriate relationship” with a staff member.
The same day of his termination, Moore was arrested after allegedly breaking into the staff member’s apartment and threatening to take his own life in front of her.
During a hearing on Friday, December 12, Moore was charged with one count of third-degree felony home invasion, one count misdemeanor stalking related to a domestic relationship and one count misdemeanor breaking and entering.
In the aftermath of Moore’s firing, Poggi said he “met individually with all the players multiple times” and has participated in Zoom calls with parents “multiple times.”
“I want to listen to them,” Poggi said. “I want to understand what the kids are feeling and what their parents are feeling. A lot of listening. There’s been a wide range of emotions, as you can imagine. We’re kind of going through those steps. They’re not over yet and I don’t expect them to be over for a while, quite frankly.”
Poggi explained he’s been executing a “mandate” given to him by University of Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, “which is to love and take care of the kids.”
“That’s what I’m spending all my time doing, is loving kids,” Poggi said.
Poggi is guiding Michigan as they prepare to play in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the University of Texas on New Year’s Eve. Given the circumstances, Poggi said the school is being lenient with allowing players to potentially opt-out of playing in the game.
“What we’ve told them is this is a personal decision for you all, based on a very unique situation,” Poggi said. “So, we’re trying to be really sensitive to making sure that we’re not forcing anybody into doing anything.”
Poggi said that preparing for the game has helped “a tremendous amount.”
“Because when they’re inside that rectangle for those hours that were either in meetings or practicing, it’s a bit of a sanctuary,” Poggi added. “A chance to not think about what is a constant barrage of media questions and things like that.”
Poggi is currently a bridge until Michigan finds their new permanent head coach. The Associated Press reported on Monday that the university hopes to make a decision by the end of the month.
Moore was released from jail on a $25,000 bond and ordered to wear a GPS tracking device. The former head coach’s next court date is scheduled for January 22.
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