As I have followed the tragic downfall of former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore, I kept thinking about how just one week ago he expressed excitement for the Wolverines' upcoming matchup in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the Texas Longhorns. Although Michigan ended the season with three losses, including a defeat in The Game against Big Ten rival Ohio State, Moore's future as a coach still seemed promising. As a Buckeye fan and alumna, I was thrilled that we beat Moore this year and ended our four-game losing streak against that team up north. Moore led the Wolverines, the youngest squad in the conference, to a nine-win season with true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. Before Moore was fired for cause due to an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer, Michigan's recruiting class was ranked 11th in the nation. They recently lost a four-star tight end who asked to be released from his letter of intent, and other signees may be rethinking their commitments while Michigan searches for its next coach. Most big-name coaches are off the board for major programs, and Michigan is in a tough spot, as its football culture is under intense national scrutiny, with the university launching a full investigation into the athletic department's practices. Moore, a married father of three young daughters, has brought an embarrassing reproach upon the character of a "Michigan Man," who is supposed to represent integrity, humility and a strong work ethic. Football coaches also serve as father figures to the young men on their rosters. Parents trust that the coach and his staff will provide the tutelage their sons need not only to excel on the field but to succeed in life. I can only imagine how stunned current Michigan players must be at the sudden demise of their coach, a man they once respected.

As the details of Moore's extramarital affair emerged in the news, it was followed by his arrest and being charged with felony home invasion and stalking, after prosecutors said he "barged his way" into the apartment of the woman he had been seeing and threatened to kill himself. The video of Moore sitting in jail during his arraignment was quite distressing. His face was blank and emotionless, a shell of the energetic coach who once walked the sidelines for the Maize and Blue. Looking at Moore, I wondered why he risked a multimillion-dollar job at a blueblood program and wrecked his marriage for fleeting moments of gratification. At just 39 years old, he was building wealth and his career. He had a beautiful wife and family to share it with. Many college football fans and those in the general public who do not closely follow the sport are baffled by why he would throw all this away. For me, the answer to this question is biblically based, regarding how temptation can draw people into dangerous snares. Moore is a man who had a position of immense influence, and unfortunately, he succumbed to what 1 John 2:16 refers to as "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." The New Living Translation of this verse says, "'For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world." These cravings do not discriminate. They latch on to anyone who opens their soul to them, giving lust a deep-seated stronghold.

Moore is unlikely to receive empathy from most people, as many will say he is getting what he deserves. He and the staffer with whom he had an affair will reap the consequences of their actions. Moore's family is also suffering from seeing his career being ruined and the constant flashing of headlines about his disgrace. Yet I have thought about that despondent jail cell image of Moore and pray that he truly repents and gives his life to Christ. The forgiveness of God through Christ can restore Moore and blot out all his transgressions, no matter how repulsive they are. I also pray that the woman with whom Moore cheated finds restoration in God as well. God forgives, whereas many people do not. Moore is still young enough to make a change that can turn his life around. Hopefully, he finds the determination and courage to do so.

Dr. Jessica A. Johnson is a lecturer in the English department at Ohio State University's Lima campus. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on X: @JjSmojc. To find out more about Jessica Johnson and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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