Michigan defensive lineman Mazi Smith is facing a concealed weapons charge originating from an October incident, according to Michigan court records.
Per Ann Arbor’s 15th District Court records, the felony charges were filed Wednesday for an incident that occurred Oct. 7, a day before the Wolverines were set to play at Indiana. No details about the incident were released with the court records, but Michigan later said in a statement it occurred during a traffic stop. Smith will remain a member of the Wolverines’ squad, per athletic director Warde Manuel.
Smith has appeared in all 12 of Michigan’s games, tallying 43 total tackles and 0.5 sacks in an undefeated season for the Wolverines. He was a consensus pick for the All-Big Ten First Team.
Michigan will face Purdue on Saturday at the Big Ten championship game, with hopes of clinching a College Football Playoff berth.
Manuel and coach Jim Harbaugh released statements Thursday afternoon regarding the charge, via 247 Sports.
“We are aware of the charge against Mazi from a traffic stop back in October,” Manuel said in the 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 the community. Based on the information communicated with us, we will continue to allow the judicial process to play out. Mazi will continue to participate as a member of the team.”
Harbaugh echoed Manuel, who cited Smith’s character in his time on the team.
“I have respect for our judicial process and with that respect brings confidence that a fair and just resolution is forthcoming,” Harbaugh said. “Mazi’s character and the trust that he has earned over the past four years will continue to be considered throughout the process.”
