Michigan defensive lineman Will Campbell arraigned on misdemeanor, felony vandalism charges

By Kyle Feldscher Crime and courts reporter

Posted on Thu, May 31, 2012 : 2:41 p.m.

Update: Will Campbell's status with Michigan football team has not changed in light of felony charge

This story has been updated with comments from Campbell's attorney and the nature of the offense.

Michigan senior defensive tackle Will Campbell is facing one felony and one misdemeanor charge of malicious destruction of property stemming from an April 7 incident, according to court records.

William Campbell

Courtesy of the University of Michigan

Records show Campbell was arraigned Thursday by a Washtenaw County magistrate on the felony charge — malicious destruction of property worth more than $1,000 but less than $20,000 — and misdemeanor charge — malicious destruction of property worth more than $200 but less than $1,000. He was given a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.

According to Ann Arbor police, Campbell was arrested after attempting to slide across the hood of a vehicle at 2 a.m. on April 7 in the 600 block of Church Street. An officer in the area could hear the sheet metal on the hood of the car buckle under Campbell’s weight — he’s listed at 322 pounds — and arrested the senior, police stated.

Campbell was intoxicated, according to police.

Donald Payne, Campbell’s attorney, said the defensive tackle has never been in trouble in his life and the facts of the case will work out in his favor. Although he’s been charged with both a felony and a misdemeanor, Payne said it’s a misdemeanor at worst.

“He’s a very nice, mild-mannered young man and he’s never been in trouble in his life,” Payne said. “As far as the facts in the case, we’re going to work it out in talking to the prosecutor.”

Payne said he couldn’t go into the nature of the offenses at this point and wouldn’t comment further until he spoke with Washtenaw County prosecutors.

Campbell will be back in court for a preliminary exam at 8:30 a.m. June 14, records show.

The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $2,000 fine.

Campbell has had a disappointing career through three seasons with the Wolverines, after arriving on campus as a five-star recruit from Detroit Cass Tech. He has 19 career tackles, two sacks and one fumble recovery.

He has acknowledged he has not lived up to his potential.

"It probably wasn't me being tall," said Campbell, who is listed at 6-foot-5 inches tall. "It was probably me being lazy.

"Everyone has expectations for themselves. And no, I don't think I've met my own expectations."

But Campbell has been one of Michigan's most-praised players this offseason, and is expected to enter the lineup next season after the Wolverines lost three starters to graduation.

He also seemingly has stepped into a leadership role. Coach Brady Hoke has consistently mentioned Campbell as a candidate to be named a captain.

Michigan did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Hoke was expected to be made available to the media later Thursday in conjunction with a camp on campus.

Check back to AnnArbor.com for more information on this story as it develops.

AnnArbor.com reporter Kyle Meinke contributed to this report.