Michigan
Wojo: Tough and driven, Fitz fits the Spartans’ football brand
Michigan State head football coach Pat Fitzgerald on his new job
Michigan State head football coach Pat Fitzgerald talks about his new job on Dec. 2, 2025 in East Lansing.
East Lansing — A football play, like a football program, only succeeds when everyone is aligned correctly. No false starts, no illegal procedures.
On the first day of its next era, Michigan State was aligned in all the important ways, with all the important people. It’s the best place to start, and it’s the reason Pat Fitzgerald is here, preaching the Spartan staples of toughness and passion and intensity.
The MSU leadership — president Kevin Guskiewicz and AD J Batt — made the right decision to pick a new direction, which happens to be the preferred, traditional direction. Fitzgerald has been out of college coaching for three seasons, so it remains to be seen how quickly Fitz fits, and how he adjusts to the sport’s crazy new ways. But there’s no doubt he fits the brand and the plan, and with the school fully aligned behind him, he has a real shot to rebuild MSU into a perennial Big Ten contender.
“Toughness was born here, in Michigan State football,” Fitzgerald said at his introduction Tuesday. “And every game is going to be a focus of victory and winning. But there’s one game that just means a little bit more, doesn’t it? I’ll just leave that one alone. … I’m fired up for the challenge, and I’m ready to get to work. It’s just a great day to be a Spartan.”
In those few sentences, Fitzgerald perfectly defined what the Spartans have been, and want to be again. Somewhere in the blur of six ragged years, two divisive coaching regimes and several false starts, MSU lost its way. Batt and Fitzgerald offered proper respect for Jonathan Smith, but this plan was lining up as the Spartans’ 4-8 season unfolded.
Guskiewicz and Batt emphasized the support will be greatly enhanced, financially and otherwise. This was the same day the school launched FOR SPARTA, a capital initiative with the goal of raising $1 billion for all aspects of MSU athletics. It will be sparked if Fitzgerald quickly improves the product, and already is boosted by Tom Izzo’s continued excellence. Thanks to Izzo and Mark Dantonio, Fitzgerald has a blueprint — ahem, greenprint — of how to succeed here.
Build a resilient winner, and the donors and dollars will come. Batt handled this transition well, stealthily pursuing Fitzgerald and landing him with a modest incentive-laden $30-million, five-year contract that starts at $5 million annually. It’s a fair, well-timed match, as Fitzgerald needed a place to start over after his 2023 firing by Northwestern.
Does he have a lot to prove and an insatiable drive to do it? Sure sounds like it. He was 4-20 his final two seasons at Northwestern, but 110-101 overall in 17 seasons, and his teams played with grinding toughness and discipline. He was dismissed in the aftermath of a hazing scandal, and later settled a lawsuit for wrongful termination, with the school saying it found no evidence Fitzgerald knew about the improprieties.
When Fitzgerald talks, his motivational cadence conjures images of Izzo and Dantonio, both of whom he considers friends. He comes to East Lansing not as an outsider, but as a Big Ten man, a kindred spirit.
“As far as my motivation, you don’t have to ask me about that,” said Fitzgerald, whose voice trembled when he talked about his family’s support through the travails. “I’ve been dreaming about this day for a long time, and I don’t want to cry. I’m just so grateful, there’ll be no more motivated coach anywhere else in the country.”
In that regard, he mirrors the ambition of the program. Batt has been here six months, and by most accounts, has stirred donor support and fan interest. He found no reason to engage in unreasonable bidding for expensive, big-name candidates once he started talking with Fitzgerald.
It doesn’t appear a hard sell was required by either side.
“To reach that level of success, it requires alignment at every level,” Batt said. “On the field, I think the impact will be immediate. You can feel Coach’s energy, his attention to detail will be supreme. I know our team will reflect all those parts and pieces, and a little bit of toughness and grit might go with it.”
The impact should be immediate, but that doesn’t mean the winning will. The Spartans haven’t gone to a bowl game since 2021 and are 18-34 in the Big Ten during that span. After nearly six seasons of Smith and Mel Tucker, their roster is disjointed and depth-deprived.
Fitzgerald will be a whirlwind for a while, putting together a staff and trying to keep MSU’s recruiting class intact, with the signing period starting Wednesday. In his three years away from the game, Fitzgerald talked to coaches and studied the evolution of NIL and the transfer portal, while acknowledging the evolving continues.
That can be daunting, not knowing what your roster might look like, year to year. It also can be invigorating, knowing there’s always a fresh start available in the portal. When Guskiewicz and Batt laid out the fundraising and resource potential, Fitzgerald knew where he wanted to be.
“What excited me most about the vision for Michigan State was what J Batt said, having a top 10-athletic department that can be driven by success in football,” Fitzgerald said. “As I looked around the landscape, you see some non-traditional powers that are playing for conference championships, or in the playoff conversation. You better believe Michigan State should be in that conversation. That’s my job, and that’s why I’m here.”
He saw Izzo at lunch Tuesday, before the Spartans played Iowa at night. He’s talked frequently with Dantonio. He recalled how difficult it was to play in Spartan Stadium with the raucous student section, back when he was an All-American linebacker at Northwestern.
He’s seen the traits when the Spartans are great, and hears the resonance in the voices. He made a couple of references to MSU’s rival without mentioning Michigan by name. He knows the hits that play, and the hits that define Michigan State.
“I understand what the fan base wants,” said Fitzgerald, who turned 51 Tuesday. “They want a team that plays fast, tough and physical, with controlled aggression. … Obviously we know who our rival is, and our guys will know who our rival is, every single day. Our focus will be on us, we’ve got to get better.”
Michigan State football coach Pat Fitzgerald greets fans
Michigan State football coach Pat Fitzgerald greets fans at the Breslin Center on Dec. 2, 2025 in East Lansing.
And that’s where Fitzgerald directed the focus when introduced to the Breslin Center crowd during the first half Tuesday night. He was greeted by a throaty roar and a bear hug from Sparty, then took the microphone and unleashed the message.
“Let’s blow the roof off this thing!” he yelled. “We’re gonna get to work, and then let’s get Spartan Stadium rocking this fall!”
Izzo’s Spartans went on to stomp the Hawkeyes 71-52 to move to 8-0. Afterward, Izzo said he felt badly for Smith and the brutal nature of the business, but fully endorsed Fitzgerald for the same reasons others did.
“I think we made a helluva selection,” Izzo said. “He just is on a mission. Cool day for a guy who I think has a lot of Michigan State qualities.”
Now Fitzgerald gets a chance to align his program similarly, in the distinctive Michigan State way. It’s a tough task but he’s been preparing and waiting a long time for it, and knows exactly what he’s getting into.
bob.wojnowski@detroitnews.com
@bobwojnowski
Michigan
Michigan immigration advocates react after Supreme Court ruling on Temporary Protected Status
Twenty-four thousand immigrants in Michigan have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), but a recent Supreme Court decision could put their protection in jeopardy.
TPS is a humanitarian protection granted to U.S. immigrants fleeing dangerous situations in their home countries, often from natural disasters or political instability. The status allows immigrants from the designated countries to live and work in the U.S.
The Supreme Court overturned those for 356,000 Haitians and Syrians in a recent decision. While the court’s decision directly impacted Haitian and Syrian immigrants, it also established that the Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to determine TPS status without judicial review or input from the courts.
That means that the Secretary of Homeland Security can eliminate TPS for any immigrant group that is currently in the U.S. under protection. That puts 1.3 million immigrants in the U.S. at risk of deportation. In Florida, 113,000 healthcare workers with TPS are at risk of deportation. The Haitian population in Philadelphia is also expressing concerns about what comes next for them.
“The Supreme Court turned its back on our moral and legal commitments to people seeking safety,” said Christine Sauvé, manager of Policy and Communication at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. “The decision eliminates legal protections for people fleeing danger and allows the Trump Administration to really advance its mass deportation agenda.”
Left without the ability to live or work in the U.S., these Haitian and Syrian immigrants with TPS now face deportation. But going back home could still be incredibly dangerous.
“It’s not really an option to go back to their home country,” said Melanie Goldberg, immigration attorney with the Institute of Metro Detroit. “In the case of Haiti, they don’t even have an airport in Port-au-Prince that’s operational. Yet they say it’s safe for these citizens to go back.”
In Michigan, immigrants with TPS have contributed $349 million to the state’s economy, a sign that they are deeply embedded in the community, according to Sauvé.
“Many TPS holders have been in our communities for a very long time,” Sauvé said. “They’ve really spent decades building their lives here in Michigan. We welcomed them here, only to see that completely ripped away with the stroke of a pen.”
The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center encourages Haitian and Syrian immigrants with TPS, as well as any immigrants in the U.S. with a TPS designation, to seek out a qualified legal service provider and review the “Know Your Rights” Materials on the MIRC’s website
Michigan
Sherrone Moore’s former assistant sues University of Michigan over alleged FOIA violations
A former University of Michigan assistant whose relationship with ex-coach Sherrone Moore was under investigation is accusing university officials of refusing to provide records related to the probe.
Paige Shiver filed the lawsuit on Wednesday in Washtenaw Circuit Court, claiming that U of M “arbitrarily and capriciously” violated the Michigan Freedom of Information Act by repeatedly denying her requests. Shiver and her legal team are seeking a court order requiring the university to disclose the records.
The lawsuit also alleges that throughout Shiver’s four-year employment with U of M, she was “discriminated against and subjected to a hostile work environment on the basis of her sex, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Michigan law including Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act.”
“The lawsuit filed today demands transparency and accountability from the University of Michigan, President Grasso and the Board of Regents,” said Shiver’s attorney, Andrew M. Stroth.
On Wednesday, CBS News Detroit reached out to U of M, which says it has no comment.
The investigation led to Moore’s firing in December 2025. At the time, it was determined that he was in an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, who was later identified as Shiver.
Moore was arrested hours later after authorities said he went to Shiver’s home and threatened to harm himself. He was charged with third-degree felony home invasion, as well as misdemeanor counts of stalking and of breaking and entering. Moore was sentenced to 18 months’ probation after pleading no contest to the two misdemeanor charges.
According to the lawsuit, Shiver filed a FOIA request in February 2026 for audio, video and transcripts of interviews of herself, her father, Jeff Shiver, and Moore. The lawsuit alleges that the university denied her request, citing the ongoing investigation.
The lawsuit alleges that Shiver submitted a similar request months later, in June, but was told by the university that it was “overly broad and vague” and “does not describe a ‘public record sufficiently to enable the public body to find the public record.’”
The lawsuit claims that requests were submitted in March and May, respectively, for all emails sent to the law firm Jenner & Block (UMconcerns@jenner.com) and for recordings of Shiver’s meetings by the university through Jenner & Block. However, those requests were denied because the university cited that it had no responsive records, according to the lawsuit.
The law firm was hired by U of M to investigate Moore and Shiver’s relationship. The university later expanded the investigation to include the athletic department.
The lawsuit also claims that Shiver requested copies of emails between Moore and athletic director Warde Manuel that contained the words “affair,” “discipline,” “pregnancy,” “baby” and “abortion.” The university denied the request, citing the communication between U of M employees as “exempt information,” according to the lawsuit.
However, Shiver’s legal team argued that the university has not shown evidence that the emails are exempt.
“This public university paid Jenner & Block $12 million to investigate the Sherrone Moore scandal and the abuse, Title IX and Title VII violations within the athletic department and Schembechler Hall, yet now refuses to release the investigation’s findings. It was important for our client to file this initial FOIA lawsuit to ensure the truth and facts come out,” Stroth said.
Shiver appeared on ABC News’ “Good Morning America” in April to discuss her relationship with Moore. In the interview, she said she became pregnant by Moore and sought an abortion after medical complications were discovered about the pregnancy.
Note: The video above previously aired on April 14, 2026.
Michigan
‘Big Brother’ season 28 to premiere this week. One guest from Michigan
Meet the 3 New Jersey contestants on ‘Big Brother’ 28
Three New Jersey contestants are joining ‘Big Brother’ Season 28. Meet the Maplewood, Washington Township and Monroe Township houseguests.
Doors will to the “Big Brother” house will open soon, as season 28 premieres this week — and the cast list includes one guest from northern Michigan.
At 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, “Big Brother” season 28 will premiere on CBS to introduce the new guests in a 90-minute episode.
“This season’s cast includes an MMA fighter, rocket scientist, game show host, daughter of an ’80s pop star, and a DRAG RACE All Star, among others,” CBS said in a July 7 announcement. “This new group of Houseguests is stepping into a summer where nothing is as it seems, where every twist rewrites the rules, and where time becomes the ultimate twist.”
There is one Michigan guest, Rome Seymour, 28, who works as a professional pickleball coach from Traverse City.
“I would describe myself as bashful, extroverted and extremely excitable. To be on ‘Big Brother’ is a dream. I’ve never felt anything as exiting as this before,” Seymour said in the “Big Brother” July 7 live cast announcement video.
Seymour said he will use his inner nerdiness to befriend and protect guests who are perhaps similar.
“I see myself as hero, but I think a lot of people in the house are going to see me as a villain just because I’m so competitive that I want to win,” Seymour said.
After the 14 guests were revealed by CBS, the cast was said to be joined by long-time “Survivor” contestant Rick Devens, according to a July 7 Entertainment Weekly article.
Here’s more on the cast and how to tune in this week:
What is ‘Big Brother’ about? What is the theme for season 28?
“Big Brother,” is a reality TV show that follows a group of people living in a large house surrounded by 112 cameras and 113 microphones as an unfiltered 24-hour live feed to capture every interaction, strategic move and challenge.
A guest will be voted off each week, and the last remaining guest will win the grand prize of $750,000, according to CBS.
The theme for season 28 is called, “Time Trip,” according to Sneak Peak from Paramount+.
Is anyone from Michigan on ‘Big Brother’ season 28?
Yes. There is one guest from Michigan on season 28 of “Big Brother:” Rome Seymour, 28, is a professional pickleball coach from Traverse City, located in the northwest Lower Peninsula.
Full ‘Big Brother’ season 28 cast list
Here is the full guest list for “Big Brother” season 28:
- Rick Devens, 42: TV journalist and long-time “Survivor” contestant from Blacksburg, Virginia.
- Jason De Puy, 35: Drag Queen and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum from San Francisco, California.
- Ashley Trail, 24: Bartender from Alton, Illinois.
- Barrett Pfeiffer, 27: Jumbotron Engineer from Benton, Arkansas.
- Chuk Anyanwu, 27: Supply Chain Analyst from Dallas, Texas.
- Drew Campbell, 22: Surgical Dental Assistant from Temecula, California.
- Haley Thogmartin, 29: Telemedicine Executive from Neosho, Missouri.
- Rome Seymour, 28: Pickleball Coach from Traverse City, Michigan.
- Kamuela “Kamu” Kirk, 32: MMA Fighter from Phoenix, Arizona.
- LaTrice Verrett, 57: Boutique Salesperson from Kankakee, Illinois.
- Lyric Medeiros, 25: Attorney from Honolulu, Hawaii.
- Mallory Aurichio, 24: Rocket Scientist from Township of Washington, New Jersey.
- Melody Morris, 24: Corporate Game Show Host from Thornton, Colorado.
- Taylor Brown, 27: Elementary School Counselor from Deerfield Beach, Florida.
- Yash Patel, 24: Financial Analyst from Monroe Township, New Jersey.
What time does ‘Big Brother’ season 28 premiere?
The 90-minute “Big Brother” season 28 premiere is set to air at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 9.
“Big Brother: Unlocked,” will air at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, July 10, and a 90-minute episode will air at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 12.
Where can I stream the ‘Big Brother’ premiere this week?
“Big Brother” Season 28 will air on CBS and will be available on Paramount+ Premium, priced at $13.99 per month.
Paramount+ Essential subscribers will be able to catch the episode the day after it airs.
Following the season premiere this week, the series will air Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET, followed by hour-long shows on Thursdays, featuring live evictions, and Sundays at 8 p.m. ET.
USA TODAY contributed.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
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