Michigan star Mazi Smith will 'continue to participate' on team despite felony gun charge

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh and athletic director Warde Manuel have released a joint statement in response to defensive lineman Mazi Smith's felony gun charge in Washtenaw County court on Wednesday.

The charge stems from an Oct. 7 traffic stop, according to Manuel's statement, with Ann Arbor Police. According to the statement, Manuel said, " 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 community.

"Based on the information communicated to us, we will continue to allow the judicial process to play out."

Manuel then said that Smith, a senior co-captain, "will continue to participate as a member of the team."

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Harbaugh said in the statement that he has "respect for our judicial process and with that respect brings confidence that a fair and just resolution is forthcoming."

The coach also said that Smith's "character and the trust that he has earned over the past four years will continue to be considered throughout the process."

One day after the incident, Smith had five tackles in the 31-10 win at Indiana. He has played in all 12 games this season. Michigan will play Purdue in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday in Indianapolis.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mazi Smith, Michigan football star, facing felony weapon charge