MSU Football Recruit Gets Break in Court

The career of Jayru Campbell, who verbally committed to atttending Michigan State University in 2015, could have been derailed.  But it looks the football standout from Cass Tech is getting a second chance.

The Detroit News is reporting today that Campbell was granted  sentencing under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, that will allow him to avoid a criminal conviction on charges that he body-slammed a security guard at his high school after being told repeatedly to remove his hood.

The attack was caught on videotape.

Campbell claimed he was acting in self-defense but was charged with aggravated assault.

In Wayne County Circuit Court today, Judge Timothy Kenny granted Campbell's a chance to avoid criminal sentencing.  Campbell must now undergo psychological counseling and take anger management classes.  If he completes those programs, then his record would be wiped clean.

HYTA allows offenders between the ages of 17 and 20 to avoid a criminal record.  Violation of any of the terms, would negate the offer and reinstate the conviction.

There was speculation that Campbell, who is 6-foot-4 and weighing 190 pounds, was given special treatment in the case.  The judge, though, said no.  "It doesn't have anything to do with you being a good athlete," Judge Kenny told the courtroom today.  He said it was about giving second chances to deserving individuals.

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