Michigan defensive lineman Mazi Smith pleaded guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor weapons possession charge stemming from an Oct. 7 traffic stop and arrest in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The 21-year old Smith entered the plea as part of an agreement to have his felony weapons charge dropped. An Ann Arbor police officer stopped Smith for speeding on Oct. 7 and found his Glock 19 gun with three loaded magazines of bullets. Smith owns the gun legally and had registered the weapon, but he did not have a concealed pistol license needed to carry it in his vehicle. He was arrested and released the same day, pending review for potential charges by the Washtenaw County prosecutor’s office.
Defense attorney John Shea said Smith was applying for a concealed weapon permit at the time of the traffic stop and has one now. Sentencing for Smith is set for Dec. 29, two days before No. 2 Michigan will face No. 3 TCU in the CFP Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
Smith, a team captain who has appeared in all of Michigan’s games since the traffic stop and arrest, has had “no change” to his status. After Smith was charged Dec. 1, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel and coach Jim Harbaugh released statements supporting Smith.