Posted at 9:02 a.m., Wednesday, July 11, 2007
College: Ex-Michigan football player convicted
Associated Press
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — One former Michigan football player has been convicted and another has been cleared of charges stemming from an attack on a fellow student.Christian Richards, of Pacomina, Calif., was found guilty Tuesday of aggravated assault and assault and battery, while Carson Butler, of Detroit, was cleared. Both were charged in a St. Patrick's Day beating in a residence hall and dismissed from the team in March.
Richards will be sentenced July 30. Assault and battery carries a maximum of 93 days in jail, while aggravated assault carries up to a year in jail.
Nick Roumel, Richards' attorney, said he was stunned by his client's conviction, which the judge said was based on the testimony of witnesses.
Butler's attorney, Joe Simon, said evidence pointed to his client's innocence but declined to comment on Richard's conviction.
District Judge Ann Mattson announced her verdict after a nonjury trial that started June 29.
Butler, a tight end, started seven games for Michigan last season and caught 19 passes. Richards, a reserve defensive back, had five tackles last year.
