Simmons Verdict
USC recruit Maurice Simmons was convicted today of felony robbery, assault with a firearm and a misdemeanor charge of allowing someone to bring a gun into his car.
He could face anywhere from 3-8 years in prison and there is a less likely chance he would receive probation. Simmons was immediately placed in custody. He will appeal the verdict.
``He can write off his days at USC,'' said Michael Carney, who is Simmons' attorney. ``They're not going to take him.''
Nor should they. Wrap him up in shiny paper and deliver him to Westwood.
I once spent one night in jail for of all things a $5.00 parking ticket that I was not aware of that had gone to warrant. I figure it was some guy pulling the ticket off of my car and placing it on his so he could park at the beach for free.
Anyway, I was in this holding tank with all the big guys, murderers etc. I remember guys talking to me all crazy like, and all I did through the night was simply agree with them and laugh in all the right places. But I was kinda afraid.
And so I cannot imagine spending more than one day like that, let alone 1000 days or 2000 days.
And, you know, this also speaks to the fact that one bad decision can change your life forever. What was this kid thinking, the golden boy who was going to make a name for himself at SC and probably have a pro career. He would have had a beautiful life and he threw it all away. So sad!
Judging by your comments about attractive women on this board, Lawyer John, that night in jail was probably one of the greatest of your life. Did the deputies think it was weird when you asked to come back the following weekend as well?
Maybe he can get probation after a year, go to a JC, keep his nose clean and get his life back on track. He's too young to throw it all away.
Whatever happens, even if he ends up in Westwood, I wish him luck.
I hear that Tennessee State U just loves taking these type of "quality student athletes". Check their roster for one JuJuan Spillman (formerly of the UofL and a frequent guest of the LMPD jails), and they will soon be offering a ride to Curtis Pulley (formerly of UK and frequently seen hanging with the Lexington Police Dept). All in all still a very sad situation for Simmons. His chace at a college football career is basically done. I can't even imagine that FUCLA would offer, but then again, they do have Slick Rick the Nue-wesal at the helm. Fight On!
Well, they only give you 15% credit on sentences these days, so if he gets the median sentence, say, 5 years in the 3-8 possibility, he will have to serve over 4-years. I think his athletic career is officially over.
It's really a shame to see any kid destroy his future in this manner.
I feel for the parents.
Wow, hard to believe another member of the Simmons family tosses away his future, this one did it in grand style.
If I were Simmons I plead with the judge in exchange for military service with the Army or the Marines. After fulfilling the military duty he'll have a clear record and be able to enroll in any college. I know of a few guys who had good military careers after being given that chance. I don't see any better damage control than that. Good luck to the young man!
Yeah, yeah, it's a shame but do you know how many ghetto kids who have done this sort of thing had no support, no educational and career opportunities and a world that looks at them like $hit who wouldn't talk to them, much less cheer for them? I suspect this isn't his first move like this (and this was some enormous dude robbing somebody likely as poor as him). And he threw the chances that genetics, coaching, USC and his own efforts brought to him. If he had got away (and he had people lining up and good lawyers because of his football) he would have been a menace on campus and into life. Hopefully it all becomes clear to him now.
Wow, I'm becoming more conservative with age. When did THAT happen. lol
Stop feeling sorry for him. What if you were the guy on the other end of that gun? What if Maurice's pal shot and killed you? How would you feel if you were the victim's wife, or kid, or parent? What if he maimed you? This is not a screw up, this was armed robbery. Put the thug away. And ask yourself -- if he weren't a talented athlete, would you feel differently? As much as I love Pete Carroll, I think his response is pathetic too. This is not a tragedy where one feels sorry for his family like he had an accident, or was the guy that got held up; this guy committed a serious crime. No tears.
I hear you Monsi. I've been on the receiving end of three violent crimes (all a few short miles from where Caesar went to college) and I can tell you it's no fun for the victim.
Yeah this guy will spend time in prison, but since he was convicted of the crime, he needs to do the time.
People have to start learning that life is not a f#$king joke. You can't play around with guns and knives and not face the consequences. So many people today just think it's alright to rob and maim and kill without regard for the people on the other side of the gun. But those people have wives and moms and children. You take their life and it's never coming back.
Do I feel sorry for this young man? No. But I hope he comes out of prison determined never to go back. And I hope he somehow turns this s#@t that he's created for himself and makes it into a positive.
Fight on!
Do you think there was a donkey in Lawyer John's jail cell?
To Voodoo Walk, if Lawyer John was in a cell, then yes there was a donkey in his cell
Anyone have a link to the details of the crime?
I don't know enough of the details to comment. I only know that Champ Simmons was a great Trojan. And, little brother Marquis is supposed to be the best of the bunch. Marquis, our Trojan family feels for you, buddy, and we look forward to you making it to USC so that you can carry on the great Simmons tradition in the game of football. Your brother can live vicariously through your accomplishments in the coming years.
sureshot:
The only time in my life I got robbed at gun point happened in LA by two black guys with a 38 staring at me...
The rest of you:
How do you feel about Simmons going to the military instead of jail to rebuild his life?
Thanks
Monsi - Word. Probably the one thing Pete does poorly as a coach is remember that these are young men and not pros, and he needs to punish things like this for real. Not with laps and missed pizza partys.