Michigan State tight end Dion Sims has been suspended from the team after prosecutors implicated him in a laptop theft ring that stole and sold over $158,000 of computers from Detroit Public Schools last year.
Dion Sims, 19, a player for the Spartans, is accused of receiving and concealing stolen property, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
This would explain Sims' absence from the first three games this football season. Expected to be an significant part of the Spartan offense, Sims has suited up, but not played in all three contests. MSU athletic director Mark Hollis confirmed that the school knew about Sims' legal issues:
MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis said: "Since mid-February, we have been aware that Dion Sims and members of his extended family have been dealing with some legal issues. Dion informed the coaching staff of the police investigation and has kept them apprised of the progress of the investigation.
"Dion did not participate in the first three regular-season games, and as of today, he has been suspended from football team-related activities due to these issues. During his indefinite suspension, Dion will continue to have access to all of the available resources in the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center. We will allow the legal process to play out before we make any final decision regarding his future status with the team."
Diane Brown, spokeswoman for the University of Michigan police, said this afternoon that the father was arrested and arraigned in June and faces an upcoming court date on the charges. She said he purchased at least 75 computers and 14 computer-related items – items for which the university was not reimbursed. The purchases happened between 2008 and 2010.