Steady Dropping Dimes – Is Sherrone Moore really being suspended 2 games for deleted texts?

Every Wednesday from 2pm – 3pm EST, former Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner, former Michigan point guard Daniel Horton, and I come together on Steady Droppin’ Dimes, a sports show featuring real talk, and real views, from three real dudes. College football, college basketball, NFL, and NBA topics drive much of the debate, but discussion of other sports will enter the fray some days as well. Non-sports topics aren’t off limits, and neither are celebrity guests.

This week on Steady Droppin’ Dimes, Sam Webb and Daniel Horton discuss the proposed two-game suspension for Michigan assistant coach Sherrone Moore due to deleted text messages during an NCAA investigation into Connor Stallions. Webb clarified that the suspension is not final and is part of a self-imposed punishment process. But the episode begins with and interview with Erika Morgan, mother of Michigan wideout Semaj Morgan, and Jillian Blackwell, mother of Wisconsin combo guard John Blackwell, about their new podcast, “Mom’s in the Huddle with Jillian and Erika.” It focuses on parental support for student-athletes in the age of NIL. The conversation also touched on the impact of NIL on college sports, and specifically the long-term outlook for the smaller programs currently being ravaged for talent. Additionally, Webb highlighted the Ann Arbor Sports Commission’s initiative to allow kids 13 and under to participate in all Epic Races events in the Ann Arbor area for free this year. The episode concludes with a chat with the president and CEO Golden Limousine Sean Duval about the deep-rooted relationship between his company and the University of Michigan, including his ongoing support of athletes through NIL, and extending beyond athletics with his various partnerships with Michigan medicine.

The contents and full episode notes appear below.

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Contents and episode notes:

00:00 – Start of Show

• Host Sam Webb introduces the episode with guest Daniel Horton (former Michigan PG).
• DG’s flight delay prevents his appearance; rescheduled for next week.
• Sponsor shoutout: Ann Arbor Sports Commission (free Epic Races for kids 13 & under).

03:15 – Moms in the Huddle Podcast Launch

• Erica Morgan (mother of Michigan WR Semaj Morgan) and Jillian Blackwell (mother of Wisconsin combo guard Jonathan Blackwell) discuss their new podcast:
• Purpose: Guide parents navigating NIL, transfer portal, and mental health for student-athletes.
• Key episodes:
• Stuck on Stars: High school rankings vs. college success.
• Parents Stay Out of the Locker Room: Boundaries for parental involvement.
• Whose Money Is It Anyway? NIL earnings and family dynamics.
• Format: Weekly episodes, live sessions, and campus visits.
• Goal: “No parent stands alone” in navigating collegiate athletics.

14:29 – Community Spotlight: Semaj Morgan’s Event

• Honors mothers who lost children to gun violence/illness.
• Features karaoke, comedian Mike Bonner, and Jamaican food.

22:48 – NCAA Investigation Update

• ESPN report: 2-game suspension for deleting texts during sign-stealing investigation.
• Sam’s sources: No final decision; Michigan is in dialogue with NCAA about self-imposed penalties.
• Key context:

• Moore’s deleted texts were recovered, no evidence of involvement in Stallions’ scheme.
• NCAA may push for harsher penalties; Michigan could contest.

• Daniel’s take: “Don’t self-impose—force the NCAA to prove their case.”

30:30 – NIL & Transfer Portal Realities

• Small programs hemorrhaging talent to wealthier schools (e.g., Auburn, Florida).
• Potential solutions: Revenue sharing (pending NCAA settlement) or tiered conferences.
• Trajan Langdon’s insight: NIL money keeps fringe NBA prospects in college longer.

39:41 – Coaching Carousel & Salaries

• Jim Harbaugh’s departure: Doubled salary with Chargers; no ill will from Michigan.
• Dusty May’s future: NBA interest likely if success continues.
• Eric Bakich (baseball): Big Ten can’t compete with SEC/ACC coaching salaries.

41:14 – Michigan’s proposed self-imposed two-game suspension of Sherrone Moore

• Sam Webb criticizes social media narratives and uninformed speculation, arguing the NCAA is attempting to enforce penalties without precedent or proper evidence.
• Ward Manuel’s statement explicitly denies any postseason bans or major punishments despite rumors.
• Deductive reasoning suggests Michigan’s proposed two-game suspension contradicts notions of severe penalties, indicating NCAA threats are exaggerated.
• Sam emphasizes the importance of fact-checking and not relying on rumors or social media buzz.

44:57 – Perceptions of the punishment

• Daniel Horton remarks that the idea of “nuking the program” with severe sanctions is exaggerated.
• Sam Webb criticizes the media’s embrace of the narrative, calling it irrational.
• Horton contrasts Michigan’s stance with how NCAA infractions are handled at other institutions, recalling his own experience turning down money offers.
• Sam notes how media narratives can magnify the situation, leading to misinformed public opinion.

47:22 – Strategy: Fight vs Compromise – Two-Game Suspension Discussion

• Sam Webb proposes that if a two-game suspension settles the issue and allows Michigan to move forward, it could be a practical choice.
• Daniel Horton agrees but emphasizes that it should close the matter permanently; otherwise, it prolongs controversy.
• Both stress the need for finality to prevent ongoing distractions.
• Sam believes that settling the issue expedites Michigan’s focus on the upcoming season.

49:00 – Text Messages and Investigation Tactics

• Sam Webb clarifies that Sherrone Moore did not delete “Connor Stallions” text messages, he’d deleted all the text messages from his phone, before later recovering the Connor Stallions text messages, refuting claims that the NCAA had to recover them.
• Horton notes that deleted text messages are easily recoverable, countering narratives of hidden information.
• Both assert that the NCAA’s motives seem more about optics than actual evidence.
• Sam emphasizes that the recovery of evidence is a standard practice and should not be sensationalized.

51:31 – NCAA Motivation and Investigation Leaks

• Daniel Horton compares the situation to personal trust violations, suggesting the NCAA might feel “played,” which drives its aggressiveness.
• They theorize that leaks could be coming from either the NCAA or Michigan but agree this particular leak could’ve been more gossip-driven than strategic.
• Both note that leaks may damage Michigan’s reputation, irrespective of the investigation’s outcome.

57:44 – Leadership Changes and Athletic Implications

• Sam Webb clarifies that Santa Ono’s departure from Michigan had no ties to the NCAA situation—purely political and salary-driven.
• Horton reflects on the challenge of keeping high-profile coaches when NFL teams offer significantly more money and resources.
• Sam praises Harbaugh’s transparency with players about his career intentions, setting realistic expectations.
• Both discuss the importance of clear communication in leadership transitions.

1:02:30 – Closing Notes

• Sam and Daniel wrap up the discussion, emphasizing that the NCAA’s approach may be more theatrical than substantive.
• Both agree that Michigan’s ability to move forward depends on how quickly the issue is resolved.
• Sam reiterates that the NCAA’s tactics are often driven by optics and media pressure.
• Horton suggests Michigan’s response could ultimately strengthen the program.

1:10:03 – Golden Limo Spotlight

• Sean Duvall (CEO) interview highlights:
• Michigan Medicine partnership: 24/7 shuttle services for patients/staff.
• NIL expansion: New deals with Zeke Berry (football) and Michigan basketball.
• Community impact: Safe rides for students, ADA transport, caregiver support.

1:34:09 – Closing Notes

• Next episode: Michigan football’s $230M economic impact (with Ann Arbor Sports Commission).

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