When Michigan announced a two-game self-imposed suspension for head coach Sherrone Moore, analysts quickly questioned the move. Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt was one of the first to sound the alarm, labeling it a calculated, strategic move aimed more at optics than accountability.
“It is self-serving,” Klatt said plainly. “This benefits them.” According to Klatt, Michigan’s decision to suspend Moore for games three and four, rather than the softer early matchups, aimed to minimize disruption ahead of a looming NCAA infractions hearing in June.
Joel Klatt Questions Michigan’s Motives Behind Sherrone Moore’s Self-Imposed Suspension
Klatt didn’t shy away from calling out what he believes is Michigan’s real motive: damage control.
“They’re trying to get out in front of it in the most advantageous way,” he said, referring to the NCAA’s slow-moving investigation into the 2023 sign-stealing scandal involving former staffer Connor Stalions in a recent episode of “The Joel Klatt Show.”
Instead of sitting Moore for early-season tune-ups, Michigan chose the games that would cause the least strategic damage. Moore remains on the sidelines for the opener and a high-profile road game at Oklahoma, his alma mater, before serving the suspension against Central Michigan and Nebraska. Klatt raised doubts about whether this tactic would work.
“Do I think the NCAA is going to look through that? Yeah… absolutely,” he said. He believes the committee won’t be fooled by what appears to be a carefully staged effort to check a box while keeping competitive priorities intact.
The broader context—the NCAA’s painfully slow response—adds fuel to the fire. “This is no way to govern the sport,” Klatt emphasizes. The scandal broke in mid-2023, and yet here we are in mid-2025, still waiting for a final resolution.
Klatt believes Michigan’s timing isn’t just about protecting Moore, it’s also about shielding their incoming quarterback, likely five-star freshman Bryce Underwood.
“You don’t want to try to go through all of those gymnastics early in the year with this suspension,” he said. Letting the young QB settle in with a full staff for the first two games seems to be part of the strategy.
But Klatt warned that these actions could have long-term consequences.
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“The precedent is just terrible,” he said. “Do whatever for the outcome and deal with it later. That’s really no way to go about raising coaches in this industry.” It’s a message that sets the wrong example for up-and-coming leaders in college football.
He also noted the suspicious timing of Michigan President Santa Ono’s departure for Florida, calling it “interesting,” especially given the school’s ongoing turmoil. “They know more than we do,” Klatt added, suggesting that something bigger could be coming, possibly even financial penalties.
In the end, Klatt believes that the NCAA needs real reform. “We need a singular governing body over just football,” he argued, criticizing the NCAA’s outdated and ineffective processes. Until then, programs will continue to manipulate the system, just like Michigan, in Klatt’s eyes, is doing now.
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