[GoRU]

Football recruit Maurice Simmons sentenced to prison - Los Angeles Times

A Compton judge today sentenced football recruit Maurice Simmons to four years in prison for his part in a robbery.

Simmons was found guilty of felony robbery, assault with a firearm and the misdemeanor of allowing someone to bring a gun into his car. A probation officer had recommended that Simmons receive probation, citing his potential as a college football player.

"He's stunned," attorney Michael Carney said. "He's kind of numb about it right now."

Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies arrested Simmons and co-defendant Lamont Hall in March after they robbed a man at gunpoint on a Compton street.

Prosecutors never accused Simmons of handling the gun. Hall received 12 years in prison.

Simmons' mother and church pastor spoke at the sentencing. Simmons, who played linebacker for Compton Dominguez High, had committed to USC, where his older brother, Melvin, played in 2002-03.