Mattinboots

December 1st, 2022 at 1:07 PM ^

Athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement that Smith will continue to participate with the program.

"We are aware of the charge against Mazi from a traffic stop back in October," Manuel said in a statement. "Mazi was honest, forthcoming and cooperative from the very beginning and is a tremendous young man. He is not and never has been considered a threat to the University or community.

"Based on the information communicated to us, we will continue to allow the judicial process to play out. Mazi will continue to participate as a member of the team."

Head coach Jim Harbaugh echoed Manuel's sentiments about Smith's character.

"I have respect for our judicial process and with that respect brings confidence that a fair and just resolution is forthcoming," Harbaugh said in a statement. "Mazi’s character and the trust that he has earned over the past four years will continue to be considered throughout the process."

And because not really new thread worthy, here is link to article on why prosecutor took seven weeks, which doesn't really say anything other than "paperwork is sometimes slow":

https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2022/12/prosecutor-explains-why-it-took-seven-weeks-to-issue-charges-against-michigan-dt-mazi-smith.html

Joined: 11/21/2008

MGoPoints: 10294

1VaBlue1

December 1st, 2022 at 3:07 PM ^

I understand why lawyers write everything anybody ever says in a 'statement', but it sucks.  I want to hear Warde explain why he buried what is probably a nothing-burger for 7 weeks through his words, not a lawyers.  I want to hear Harbaugh explain why he's still with the team in his own words.

Don't get me wrong - I firmly believe this is a nothing-burger and that it's the right decision to have kept him on the active roster.  But all a 7-week delay does is make a one-time announcement into a 2-3 day event, give life to conspiracy theories, and make it a topic for national broadcasts all day Saturday, when the world wants to watch a good football team.  Now ~two-thirds of that world will be wondering why he's playing while facing 'felony charges'.

The AD blew this.  Another simple announcement blown in the name of 'privacy', or secrecy, or whatever.  I mean, you didn't even have to name the player when announcing that someone was pulled over and found with a gun, and charges may be pending (or whatever the case was, because you apparently thought it was trivial)!  JFC!

Joined: 01/31/2016

MGoPoints: 127087

1VaBlue1

December 1st, 2022 at 6:03 PM ^

They don't "have to", nor did I say they 'had to'.  But hey - thanks for reading with(out) comprehension.  

I said I would like to hear their own words.  Why?  Because they would probably be more clear about the situation, and would certainly be more relatable and personal about it.  I will never like lawyer-speak.  Sorry (not sorry) if the lawyer in you disapproves.

Joined: 01/31/2016

MGoPoints: 127087

tjohn7

December 1st, 2022 at 1:08 PM ^

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwrvDBmoaXo

Seems logical. If they were aware of the incident a while ago nothing changes today, other than in the court of public opinion. Now if he were convicted of a crime that's a whole different story.

 

 

Joined: 09/29/2014

MGoPoints: 13172

Njia

December 1st, 2022 at 1:11 PM ^

"Based on the information communicated to us..." Sounds as though the AD has been working with the Washtenaw County Prosecutor and U-M Legal, who have given him some confidence that the issue will be resolved favorably for all parties.

Joined: 09/15/2009

MGoPoints: 35773

goblu330

December 1st, 2022 at 1:13 PM ^

I don't think this is the case.

I think what they are saying is that he has been charged with something, which means very little, and that he is claiming he is innocent.  If he is convicted of something, that would mean something different but he has not been yet.

Joined: 01/07/2022

MGoPoints: 32123

MGlobules

December 1st, 2022 at 1:31 PM ^

My wife is an English professor. She says that people don't do irony or sarcasm anymore. Not kidding, but that when it crops up in a document, professors have to explain to kids what it is. It's interesting, because in a world of patent snark, it really is true that a certain kind of wry commentary really does often go unnoted. 

Joined: 11/17/2008

MGoPoints: 47665

aiglick

December 1st, 2022 at 1:12 PM ^

Let the process play out. Sounds like they were aware of this. Hopefully Mazi learns a lesson. I do trust Harbaugh in how he handles this. If he thinks the facts don’t warrant a suspension at this juncture then I don’t either. Hopefully the charges are plead down to a misdemeanor and Mazi is more careful next time.

Joined: 11/27/2010

MGoPoints: 21521

reddogrjw

December 1st, 2022 at 1:13 PM ^

posted on reddit - so take it with a grain of salt

https://old.reddit.com/r/CFB/comments/z9uq5g/vanhaaren_michigan_ad_warde_manuel_and_coach_jim/

sounds like the charge will be dropped.

"Mazi purchased his gun, attended the class, took the test, gave his fingerprints and was in the 45 day waiting period before approval.

He was ultimately approved, but after he had been pulled over, hence the delay."

that is from my local source.

 

edit - Ace tweet seems to align with this

 

https://twitter.com/AceAnbender/status/1598390832947757067?s=20&t=iyx5P1IBoEXBmgULBcmGOA

 

Joined: 07/06/2016

MGoPoints: 9846

gbdub

December 1st, 2022 at 2:22 PM ^

I mean, I actually don't think it's great that you can go to jail for 5 years for what amounts to a clerical offense (not to mention that what counts as "concealed carry of a weapon" in a vehicle is an extremely strict definition - very easy to go from totally legal to FELONY CONVICTION with some minor carelessness that doesn't meaningfully impact public safety).

Joined: 02/16/2010

MGoPoints: 26761

TdK71

December 1st, 2022 at 1:24 PM ^

"The county clerk shall issue a license or notice of statutory disqualification within 45 days after the date the applicant has classifiable fingerprints taken."

When I did my 1st CPL it was over 90 days and I hadn't heard back, I finally had to contact my County Commissioner, I had to go downtown to pickup my CPL and you wouldn't believe they system they had in use at this time. (Wayne County). Just unreal.

 

https://www.michigan.gov/msp/services/ccw/concealed-pistol-application-and-instructions

Joined: 11/30/2010

MGoPoints: 2281