Michigan defensive lineman Will Campbell arraigned on misdemeanor, felony vandalism charges
Update: Will Campbell's status with Michigan football team has not changed in light of felony charge
This story has been updated with comments from Campbell's attorney and the nature of the offense.
Michigan senior defensive tackle Will Campbell is facing one felony and one misdemeanor charge of malicious destruction of property stemming from an April 7 incident, according to court records.
William Campbell
Courtesy of the University of Michigan
Records show Campbell was arraigned Thursday by a Washtenaw County magistrate on the felony charge — malicious destruction of property worth more than $1,000 but less than $20,000 — and misdemeanor charge — malicious destruction of property worth more than $200 but less than $1,000. He was given a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.
According to Ann Arbor police, Campbell was arrested after attempting to slide across the hood of a vehicle at 2 a.m. on April 7 in the 600 block of Church Street. An officer in the area could hear the sheet metal on the hood of the car buckle under Campbell’s weight — he’s listed at 322 pounds — and arrested the senior, police stated.
Campbell was intoxicated, according to police.
Donald Payne, Campbell’s attorney, said the defensive tackle has never been in trouble in his life and the facts of the case will work out in his favor. Although he’s been charged with both a felony and a misdemeanor, Payne said it’s a misdemeanor at worst.
“He’s a very nice, mild-mannered young man and he’s never been in trouble in his life,” Payne said. “As far as the facts in the case, we’re going to work it out in talking to the prosecutor.”
Payne said he couldn’t go into the nature of the offenses at this point and wouldn’t comment further until he spoke with Washtenaw County prosecutors.
Campbell will be back in court for a preliminary exam at 8:30 a.m. June 14, records show.
The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $2,000 fine.
Campbell has had a disappointing career through three seasons with the Wolverines, after arriving on campus as a five-star recruit from Detroit Cass Tech. He has 19 career tackles, two sacks and one fumble recovery.
He has acknowledged he has not lived up to his potential.
"It probably wasn't me being tall," said Campbell, who is listed at 6-foot-5 inches tall. "It was probably me being lazy.
"Everyone has expectations for themselves. And no, I don't think I've met my own expectations."
But Campbell has been one of Michigan's most-praised players this offseason, and is expected to enter the lineup next season after the Wolverines lost three starters to graduation.
He also seemingly has stepped into a leadership role. Coach Brady Hoke has consistently mentioned Campbell as a candidate to be named a captain.
Michigan did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Hoke was expected to be made available to the media later Thursday in conjunction with a camp on campus.
Check back to AnnArbor.com for more information on this story as it develops.
AnnArbor.com reporter Kyle Meinke contributed to this report.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
bugmenot
Wed, Jun 6, 2012 : 3:48 a.m.
Arrest them Duke boys!
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jun 5, 2012 : 10:05 p.m.
While I tend to agree this may be a case of over reacting prosecution, Campbell's under-performing has been his bugga-boo for three years now. By now, it should have sunk in that he's one of the few to get a scholarship at Michigan and a position on one of the premiere college football teams in the country. Senior defensive tackle for the Wolverines?? Lets see him prove it!
ted
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.
How on earth could this happen ? Whenever we see our players hands outreached for help Al Borges is no where to be found !! Where were you Al ?!! Can't you see these young men are need your help !!??
ted
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
When I think of the suffereing players falling by the wayside a very relevant truthful words haunt me, "I believe the children are our future, let them laugh and let them lead the way, show them all the beauty they possess inside.... give them a sense of pride, to make it easier, let the children's laughter remind us how we use to be.. I DECIDED LONG AGo never to walk in anyone's shadow" Those beautiful and powerful words were spoken by the late Whitney Houston , possibly moments after a crackpipe scorched her pursing lips. Yet these words are lost on a man who is acclaimed and assumed and entrusted to be those words, yet I doubt Al Borges even knows who Whitney Houston is. Who is Al Borges ?
ted
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 7:48 p.m.
agree . Time for Al to go !
ted
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 7:46 p.m.
I think It's best at this time that the school lets Al go.
ted
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
I don't think he does either.
ted
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
It begs the question of whether he even cares.
Dave
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 3:07 p.m.
No excuses for Big Will. A leader on this team has to be accountable. He can be a regular college kid or a leader for team 133 not both. I hope Bill Will reads all of these comments and starts to see what he could and should be. The time is running short for Will to live up to his potential.
Jim Van Buren
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 12:48 p.m.
The police do not seem to be able to adequately patrol neighborhoods where people are worried about letting their children walk to school alone, but they apparently had a stakeout going that resulted in catching Campbell. Too bad it is such a hassle to obtain police records in a timely fashion.
Scott Laux
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 5:53 a.m.
I'm no fan of Will Campbell. He's lazy and will likely bomb. But- he got drunk and flopped on a hood. He's huge and it crushed it. Doesn't seem like anything more than immature. No violence. No DUI. No intentional destruction of property. I doubt there is anyone who hasn't done something like this. We just don't weigh 320 lbs.
Tom
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 2:28 a.m.
AA.com AA stands for what?
Tom
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 2:28 a.m.
Blame it on Mark Hollis! Where's the threat?
Tom
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 2:24 a.m.
Hmmmm...the same fans that heavily criticized Derrick Nix?
FormerMichRes
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:33 a.m.
This sort of thing is happening too frequently with these so-called student athletes. This guy is underaged, drunk, and damaging property. He's never been in trouble before? Time will tell on that. I'm sure AA.com will check the records. Hats off to the AAPD. I'd say there is way more to this story than has been reported...so far.
cutty240
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:28 a.m.
Blame it on Rich Rod.Whenever something bads Happens,Blame it on Rich Rod.
AAbob43
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:01 a.m.
I am a Spartan, with no love lost for the Whinerenes, and I think this kid should be cut all kinds of slack. The felony is an insane over-charging decision. He did a goofy thing, and should pay for the damages, but in a sane world, that should suffice.
BornInA2
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:26 p.m.
A felony charge for this?? I'm not saying he didn't do something stupid, but the prosecutor seems to be throwing the book at this kid. Makes me wonder why...
BluesMessiah
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:36 p.m.
It's a felony because of the amount of damage, that's it. It'll get down to a misdemeanor in court.
MRunner73
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:20 p.m.
Misdemeanor should be as far as this goes, plus pay for the damages to the car as the hood will need to be replaced. ...and the hood of the car?...what make and model was was that? I hope it was not a Delorean.
JustfortheRecord
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
sounds like the kid was having fun in Ann Arbor just like my friends and I did many a night...only now, the 20/20 hindsight of older age puts this in perspective. But, I prefer a football player more like this and less like a nun...
UlyssesWrong1
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
Campbell could be great for us if he's still on the team, I hope he is.
Commoncents
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10 p.m.
This all the SEALS fault
Stephen Landes
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:39 p.m.
The big news could be that at 2:00 AM there was an Ann Arbor Policeman within hearing distance of this incident. Considering what our city administration has done to the AAPD that is truly a-maize-ing.
peg dash fab
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:11 p.m.
Or perhaps all the loudmouthed griping about the city is just ... you know ... cowpie.
edjasbord
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:34 p.m.
What is most disappointing about the incident is the fact that he did it in front of a police officer. We all did dumb things as a drunken college kid, but most of us had the wherewithal to take a look around first. Those who didn't got selected for special treatment. Just like Will did. Its the much tamer version of the Darwin Award. And, I hope is 'field awareness' is better on the gridiron that on the streets of Ann Arbor.
Hailmary
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:51 p.m.
My exact sentiments !
GoBlue11
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:12 p.m.
This is actually pretty funny and basically a non-story. Glad there aren't too many people on here bashing him for a pretty innocent thing to be arrested for. I mean, yes, there was damage -- but in the larger scope of things, I am glad it is crime incidents like this putting Michigan players in the news and not some of the truly bad things you see in other teams.
RJ12688
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.
Another case of a college student getting drunk and doing something they may regret the next day. I can't wait for the immanent overreaction here that usually follows just about any story.
catfishrisin
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:43 p.m.
Is this what the faithful keep referring to as a "Michigan Man"?
Hailmary
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:32 p.m.
This incident while not life threatening does warrant a response. He damaged someone's property while, "intoxicated". Yes, I've been guilty of stupidity more than once in my life especially when I was young. Some I got away with and some I paid the piper. Will is going to pay the piper and this sensationalizing of the incident is the price ya gotta pay when your in the lime lite, sorry Will.
a2cents
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.
No mercy. Big & drunk & dumb is no excuse. Stupid is its own reward.
xmo
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
"He's a very nice, mild-mannered young man and he's never been in trouble in his life," Are we talking about Ted Kaczynski or Will Campbell?
Hailmary
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.
And if I was intoxicated and damaged your car ?
julieswhimsies
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:17 p.m.
Those wild and crazy college football players. You've got to watch them every MINUTE!
Laura Jones
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:14 p.m.
Sorry but it seems like he is being charged for something that anyone else would have been let go on if they agreed to pay the damages, or should I say anyone less affiliated. Pulling a "Dukes of Hazard Slide" is not something unusual, at least it didn't used to be. Car's being lighter, its now a problem to do it, but I think arresting people for it is a waste of money and not an effective use of police. This young man, regardless of who he is, will now be expensively tied to our legal system for some time - and to what gain? He may be able to make something out of it all still, but for many young men, this would be a starting event for a long slide into the judicial system. All for a childish thing that many young men do. I just don't see this as effective or smart policing, us e of judicial tax dollars or much of anything else.
UofMbeBetter
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 8:52 a.m.
@Commoncents So in the end your buddy was out 300 bucks for being a tool, and I had to pay the other 700 because the girl has the same insurance as me. Actually i am not a Lawyer, but i do watch Judge Judy 3 times a week, so i think that may actually be considered insurance fraud in some states.
Laura Jones
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:47 p.m.
Joe Wood - I qualified what I said with his agreeing to pay the damages. So why arrest and charge him on top of that? If it was my car and he offered and paid the damage, I would not want him charged - its simply vindictive at that point and useless.
MRunner73
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:17 p.m.
Well stated, I agree. Coach Hoke will apply the correct form of punishment when that time comes.
Commoncents
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:57 p.m.
I know a guy who's 6'1" and 220. Three weeks ago he slid across a car's hood cuz he thought it'd be cool to do the duke's of hazards slide while really drunk. The chick driving was pissed, but eventually cooled off, took his license and they worked out a $300 payment for the deductable. (no cop involvement) This was a stupid move on Will's part, but I also think there's a little bit of bad luck in there. Either way, you do something dumb and you get caught - you pay the price
Joe Wood
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
Unless it was your car.
81wolverine
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.
Nothing good happens out on the streets at 2:00 a.m. As a senior who is supposed to be a leader this year, he has set a very poor example for the rest of the team. At a minimum, Coach Hoke is going to be having Mr. Campbell doing some extra "workouts" I'd guess. Maybe time to bring back Coach Carr to supervise some early morning stadium step running for him.
GoNavy
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 3:17 a.m.
I dunno man...some of the BEST things happen on the streets of Ann Arbor at 2AM. Pancheros, anybody?
1959Viking
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.
Billy Bob I think they have to "voluntary."
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
I thought punishment workouts were in violation of NCAA rules. Am I wrong?
julieswhimsies
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.
Perhaps a good flogging is in order.
leo
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:01 p.m.
I'm very dissapointed in all the legal issues michigan players have had, specially when i love critiquing the florida gators and their multiple arrests. but c'mon, a college kid gets drunk and tries to slide on the hood of a car! i'm willing to cut this one some slack...
ArthGuinness
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 4:18 a.m.
"so many" not "to many" or even "too many" ... ugh it's too late to be typing.
ArthGuinness
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 4:17 a.m.
Pretty much my thoughts. If we hadn't had to many off-the-field issues, this would seem like nothing. And it really does seem to be nothing. But when put together with everything else, it seems to be something.
Tina Sturgell
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:31 p.m.
Funny how he was arrested on April 7 and it was keep quiet for almost 2 months! Big Will is UM's best chance at having a D line that can actually play with the Big boys. He has yet to do so, and if he doesn't teams will run all over them this fall.
smokeblwr
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:56 p.m.
If he knocked something over that would be a first.
julieswhimsies
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.
Hahaha @smokeblwr
braggslaw
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:47 p.m.
that's pretty funny... he has been a horrible disappointment
SEC Fan
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
he's gonna be a captain?
Veracity
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:52 p.m.
One excellent season and Will may have made himself a good NFL prospect with fame and fortune ahead of him. These allegations, even without proof being divulged at this time, is likely to permanently taint everyone's perception of him. The University of Michigan football program should feel ashamed as well since its staff has had three years to impress upon Will the importance of strong and honorable personality traits among the young men wearing the maze and blue.
maizenbluenc
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 12:18 p.m.
Lighten up Francis
BluesMessiah
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:36 p.m.
GoNavy, what in the story leads you to believe that Campbell was fleeing the scene? It reads that the officer heard it happen and was right on the scene, and William was still there.
julieswhimsies
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.
@Veracity....Try spell-check. It's MAIZE and blue. Good grief...
julieswhimsies
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.
@ lumberg. It's MAIZE and blue. College football players are kids. They use bad judgment and they drink. Why should it be any different for a football player. If he caused damage, he should pay for it. Then that would be that. I'd be willing to wager that there is not a player on this team who hasn't gotten drunk and stupid at one time or another.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
I'm not sure where this idea comes from that the University and its coaches can raise a kid in three years. What about what has gone on in the 18 years before they even ment him. Is that even their responsibility? I don't know. One incident does not a life make, but how it is handled can change a life for the better or for the worse. I hope the people in positions to deal with this will keep that in mind.
GoNavy
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:12 p.m.
I'm a little torn on this one. On the one hand, I know how easy it is to do bone-headed things while drinking. If you can't relate to that statement, you're either a teetotaler or a liar. On the other hand, this guy weighs over 300 lbs, and based solely on the facts presented here, there's no indication that the guy was going to double back, leave a note on the car and compensate the owner. I'm happy it wasn't my car, and let's be honest - it could have been somebody's one-of-a-kind dream auto they had brought to the city for the weekend. In the end, I think felony charges are excessive. There are severe penalties in life associated with a felony that are asymmetrical with the severity of the alleged crime in question. If Mr. Campbell is in fact guilty, a misdemeanor, coupled with a fine, restitution and perhaps some community service might go a long way in teaching the desired lesson.
lumberg48108
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.
a college kid playing Dukes of Hazzard on a roof of a car after a few beers is hardly worthy of the comments you made "... the importance of strong and honorable personality traits among the young men wearing the maze and blue ..." this is the definition of a moment in time I am sure he regrets, but there was no criminal intent or malice, was there? it was a stupid moment that seemed fun at the time - ever been there? veractity -- lighten up - and change your screen name to Self-Righteous U-M Snob
bluemax79
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
THIS staff has had 1 year with him, let's let the facts come out in the case before we are assigning shame and dishonor.