Ohio State legend responds to Sherrone Moore scandal at Michigan

Ohio State legend Cardale Jones blasts the Sherrone Moore scandal on X, using it to fuel the Ohio State–Michigan rivalry.
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore talks to players at a timeout against USC during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore talks to players at a timeout against USC during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore was arrested this week following reported events that transpired after he was fired for an inappropriate work relationship with an assistant — and he’s not getting any mercy online from former Buckeye quarterback Cardale Jones.

Jones has been active on social media regarding the incident, saying he’s poking fun at the situation to fuel the Ohio State–Michigan rivalry. 

Jones has repeatedly referred to Moore as a “crash out” on X and stated that Ohio State is what broke him, noting that Michigan’s final loss before Moore was fired came against the Buckeyes on Nov. 29. This was Moore’s first loss to OSU as a head coach.

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy defended the Wolverines on X, saying he was proud Michigan held Moore accountable — adding that other schools might have looked the other way, while calling accountability the “Michigan Man Way.” Jones quickly clapped back, bringing up Michigan’s cheating scandal and sign-stealing operation.

“You CAN cheat on the football field but not on your wife!” Jones posted. “That’s where they draw the line!”

The question then arises — where does the trash-talking go too far? Some fans believe that given the severity of the situation, it is no longer something to laugh about, arguing the rivalry should take a back seat to the real-life consequences involved.

Moore was later charged with felony home invasion, along with misdemeanor stalking and breaking and entering, following an incident that occurred after his firing.

According to court records and police reports, the charges stem from Moore allegedly entering the home of a woman he had a relationship with, prompting her to call 911 and leading to his arrest. Many Michigan fans have pleaded that the situation is delicate and emphasized the need for decency to protect Moore’s wife and three children.

In response, Jones noted there was little sympathy for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day last year when Day and his family endured death threats following Ohio State’s loss to Michigan. In that sense, Jones argues the reaction from Ohio State fans is warranted — suggesting Michigan fans would likely respond similarly if the roles were reversed.

Jones later struck a more serious tone.

“In all seriousness, truly sad what’s happening with Coach Moore — blowing an opportunity of a lifetime, being handed the keys to a prestigious football program like Michigan and blowing it,” Jones posted. “I’m just glad no one was hurt after reportedly threatening self-harm and harm to others.”

Moore was arraigned Friday, with footage circulating from the hearing that showed him in a jail-issued uniform.


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Hanna Williford
HANNA WILLIFORD

Hanna Williford is a sports reporter, host, and digital storyteller based in Columbus, Ohio. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in strategic communication.