SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Michigan defensive tackle and co-captain Mazi Smith, in his first comments since he faced a felony concealed-weapons charge earlier this month that was pleaded down to a misdemeanor, said he has learned plenty throughout this situation.
Smith was initially stopped for speeding on Oct. 7 in Ann Arbor but when asked, told the arresting officer he did have a registered gun and ammunition in the car, but he had not yet completed his concealed pistol license paperwork. He was taken in for processing, was released and left with the team later that day and played at Indiana on Oct. 8.
He was never suspended, and the arrest did not come to light until he was arraigned two days before Michigan's appearance in the Big Ten championship game on Dec. 3. He pleaded down to a misdemeanor during a probable cause hearing this month.
