ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan defensive lineman Mazi Smith on Wednesday was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, a felony, according to 15th District Court online documentation.
The original offense date was Oct. 7, according to records, the day before Michigan played at Indiana. He is represented by Ann Arbor attorney John Shea.
Washtenaw County prosecutor Eli Savit told The Detroit News on Thursday there was no unusual delay from the time of the offense to when charges were brought. Savit said his office received the police report on Oct. 14 and approved the request for charges on Nov. 17.
"The timeline for charging on this case was unremarkable," Savit said. "The incident involving Mr. Smith occurred on Oct. 7. He was not arrested at the scene, and we received a police report on Oct. 14. We approved the request for charges on Nov. 17, and the warrant was 'sworn out' before a magistrate this week.
"This is an unremarkable timeline for cases that are submitted to us when a defendant is not in custody. If a defendant is in custody (arrested at the scene), we need to process cases faster, within 48 hours, and we have a separate queue set up to review in-custody cases. But when a defendant is not in custody, authorization of charges generally moves slower, and the timeline here was not remarkable."
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, in a statement issued Thursday, said Smith will continued to participate with the team.
"We are aware of the charge against Mazi from a traffic stop back in October," Manuel said in a statement Thursday. "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."
Smith is a co-captain of Michigan and on Tuesday was named first-team All-Big Ten. Michigan (12-0) is preparing to face Purdue in the Big Ten championship on Saturday in Indianapolis.
"I have respect for our judicial process and with that respect brings confidence that a fair and just resolution is forthcoming," Michigan coach Jim 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."
According to Michigan's penal code, the felony is punishable for up to five years in prison or a fine up to $2,500.
Reached by phone, Shea said he would not be commenting at this time.
Smith has appeared in all 12 games this season, registering 43 tackles, including 2.5 for loss.
