Source: Michigan begins query into athletic department - ESPN

The University of Michigan has commissioned a full investigation into the practices and culture of its athletic department, centering on how numerous scandals have both occurred and been handled in recent years, a source told ESPN.

The firing of football coach Sherrone Moore this week will be a particular focus.

The investigation will be handled by Jenner & Block, a Chicago-based law firm that has done business with the school in recent years, including conducting the investigation into whether Moore had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

The Detroit News first reported the authorization of the investigation.

The firm opened an inquiry earlier this fall about the conduct of Moore and a staff member after the university received an anonymous tip, multiple sources told ESPN. Both Moore and the staff member denied the relationship and not enough evidence emerged to confirm it.

That changed Wednesday when, according to prosecutors in Washtenaw County, Michigan, the staff member told investigators it did occur and presented corroborating evidence. The staff member had, on Monday, broken off the multi-year relationship, according to prosecutors, but became concerned when Moore sent a flurry of texts and calls that were unreturned.

The university promptly fired Moore on Wednesday for the relationship. Soon after, Moore went to the staff member's apartment just outside Ann Arbor and, according to prosecutors, barged in, grabbed kitchen scissors and some butter knives. He then threatened to commit suicide.

«I'm going to kill myself,» Moore said according to first assistant prosecutor Kati Rezierski. «I'm going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life.»

Moore, a married father of three, was