Griz allow Wilson to play with charges pending

Posted: Sep 9, 2010 3:26 PM by Scott Breen
Updated: Sep 9, 2010 3:42 PM

Missoula - With assault charges still pending against Griz defensive back Jimmy Wilson in Missoula, coaches are allowing him to suit up and play in Saturday's game at Cal Poly.

Wilson did not practice with the Grizzly football team as it began fall camp drills for the 2010 season after being cited for allegedly biting a woman on the leg in a car last month. He pleaded not guilty and at the time asked for a jury trial.

"We are withholding Jimmy from practice for conduct distracting to the team," Pflugrad said. "His return will be a day-to-day decision as we actively monitor the proceedings and gather the facts."

After consideration, coaches allowed Wilson to begin working out with the Griz again August 17th.

Wilson is a 5-11, 190-pound senior cornerback from San Diego, Calif. He was recently reinstated to the Griz football team after being acquitted of first degree murder charges in California, where he spent two years in jail.

Three years ago, the night before Wilson was leaving California to start his senior season at Montana, Wilson's grandmother received a call from his aunt saying her boyfriend, Kevin Smoot, was drunk, beating her and urinating on her. Wilson said he went to Smoot's house to pick up his aunt, but Smoot pulled an AK-47 and pointed it at Wilson's chest. The two struggled over the gun. Smoot was shot in the head and killed. Wilson said he was scared to death, so that moment he fled to Montana.

After two trials Wilson was acquitted last July. He asked Montana to petition the NCAA for another chance at eligibility and was granted one. After two years in jail and a year working in California, Wilson had just rejoined the Griz where was a three-year starter from 2004-2006.

UM Director of Athletics Jim O'Day added after the misdimeanor incident, "The judicial process needs to take its course and allow all parties involved their full rights under the law."

Saturday's game can be seen live on the CW Montana at 7:00 p.m. MDT. The Griz (1-0) are ranked number one in the nation among FCS teams after beating Western State, CO, 73-2 in Saturday's season opener.