[LightningRod]

Michigan's Daniel Horton pleads guilty to one count of domestic battery. Time for Michigan to get this kid some help.

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

U-M's Horton pleads guilty

Guard could face 93 days in jail, $500 fine on domestic violence charge.

By Jim Spadafore / The Detroit News

Horton

Horton's future

Should Daniel Horton's suspension from the basketball team be lifted this season?
Yes
No, maybe next season.
No, and he shouldn't be allowed to ever return.

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ANN ARBOR - Michigan junior guard Daniel Horton pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor count of domestic violence. His return to the team is uncertain.

Horton appeared before District Circuit Court Judge Ann Mattson for his preliminary hearing in Washtenaw Circuit Court.

Horton was suspended indefinitely following a Dec. 10 incident. He hasn't played in the last six games and he hasn't been allowed to practice or travel with the team.

"The reason Daniel pleaded guilty is because Daniel is particularly concerned about the young lady in this case," said Gerald Evelyn, Horton's attorney. "He's still very close to her. He thinks that her welfare is more important than anything that's happened, including him, his rights to a trial and basketball. The most important thing to him right now is her.

"And when he learned that her name has been reported in some news reports and that she's been getting contacted by people's that's been threatening her life, he felt like her welfare was being threatened in a way that should have never happened."

Horton's sentencing is scheduled for March 9. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Kid needs help

Horton's return to the team probably unlikely for the remainder of this season, but one never knows.

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

College basketball: Michigan

Horton return uncertain

Reeling Wolverines are eager to get their starting guard back into the lineup.

By Jim Spadafore / The Detroit News
Associated Press

Daniel Horton, left, listens to his attorney, Gerald Evelyn, in court in Ann Arbor on Monday.

Horton's future

Should Daniel Horton's suspension from the basketball team be lifted this season?
Yes
No, maybe next season.
No, and he shouldn't be allowed to ever return.

Get results and comments

Comment on this story
Send this story to a friend
Get Home Delivery

ANN ARBOR -- Daniel Horton sat in Washtenaw Circuit Court Monday in a black suit and tried to remain positive. When he'll rejoin the Michigan basketball team remains uncertain. It will be decided by University of Michigan officials.

"I'm in court on Valentine's Day and I should be planning a nice evening," Horton was overheard saying.

Horton, a junior guard, pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence against his girlfriend.

Horton was advised by his attorney, Gerald Evelyn, not to talk on the record to the media until things are resolved.

Horton was suspended indefinitely following the Dec. 10 incident. He has not been allowed to play in six games.

Evelyn said he thinks Horton will be placed on probation. Evelyn also said Horton would continue to receive counseling, like he has the past two months. Horton is not allowed to have any contact with the victim. If convicted, Horton faces a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Michigan Coach Tommy Amaker said he doesn't know when Horton will be reinstated. The Wolverines (12-13, 3-8 Big Ten), who are on an eight-game losing streak, play Wednesday at Wisconsin.

"It's certainly positive that things have proceeded forward," Amaker said. "We'll take things on advisement from this point forward.

"Every call here is the University of Michigan's call. And so when we get a chance to consult with the appropriate people we'll do that."

Horton not only hasn't played in the last six games, but he hasn't been allowed to practice with the team or travel with them for games. Horton has been working out on his own. Amaker said he can't wait until Horton is reinstated.

"He's a young man that I feel a great deal about and I'd like to feel I'm fairly close with," Amaker said. "And I'm disappointed that we haven't had him and we'll certainly welcome him back at some point. But whenever that takes place we'll certainly welcome him back with open arms."

Evelyn said his client pleaded guilty because the victim's name was mentioned in some news reports and Horton was concerned about her safety.

"While he's a basketball player and a person with a higher profile, and maybe he can expect this and maybe even deserve this, she doesn't deserve that," Evelyn said. "And as a result of that, he felt his right to a trial was less important than her best interests.

"He wants to get this behind him and go on with his life. Many people who have been accused of things a lot more serious than this have been allowed to continue their athletic careers. But he isn't concerned about that now. He's concerned about getting this behind him and he's most concerned about the young lady. Basketball will take care of itself."

The victim told police on Dec. 13, three days after the incident, that there was a heated argument and Horton "put her in a sleeper hold" and choked her into unconsciousness.

"Some of the stuff (on the police report) was exaggerated," Evelyn said.

Uncertain return