Story perspectives

Regents Omit Manuel Deal; $11 M Probe Remains Secret

7/17/2026

Summary

Manuel Stays

The University of Michigan Board of Regents met Thursday in Traverse City and omitted the culture investigation and athletic director Warde Manuel’s employment from the agenda.
Jenner & Block, hired after former coach Sherrone Moore’s Dec 2025 firing, spent $11 million on a probe that produced an unreleased $12 million report.
Manuel, under a 2030 contract worth $1.9 million annually, said he will stay while confirming buyout talks with interim president Domenico Grasso.

Summary

University Faces Lawsuits

President Domenico Grasso told regents Michigan is defined by its mission, not by any single leader.
University spokesperson Paul Corliss said Jenner & Block documents are protected by attorney-client privilege.
Paige Shiver sued the university for withholding public records, citing five FOIA denial instances.
Former linebackers coach Chris Partridge sued for wrongful termination and said university president Santa Ono told officials Warde Manuel not to record the law-firm meeting.

History

Historical Context

The University of Michigan’s men’s basketball program came under scrutiny after a 1996 car-accident revealed booster Ed Martin’s $616,000 loans to players, prompting investigations by the NCAA, FBI and DOJ. By fall 2002 the university imposed its own penalties, and on May 8 2003 the NCAA added two-year probation, scholarship reductions and a $450,000 restitution requirement.

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Manuel Stays

The University of Michigan Board of Regents met Thursday in Traverse City and omitted the culture investigation and athletic director Warde Manuel’s employment from the agenda.
Jenner & Block, hired after former coach Sherrone Moore’s Dec 2025 firing, spent $11 million on a probe that produced an unreleased $12 million report.
Manuel, under a 2030 contract worth $1.9 million annually, said he will stay while confirming buyout talks with interim president Domenico Grasso.

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