Sipili to serve 24 months probation, 80 hours community service
CU football player Michael Sipili, 19, appeared in Boulder County Court Wednesday to be sentenced for third-degree assault by Judge John Stavely.
Sipili was sentenced to 24 months of probation, 80 hours of community service, an anger management evaluation, and an alcohol evaluation by Wardenburg Health Center. In January, he will complete four days of work crew. He was also ordered to have absolutely no contact with alcohol or with CU student John Antrim.
“I’m okay.. It’s really tough. I’m going to keep playing football,” Sipili said after his sentencing.
Sipili pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault charges Sept. 6, for his participation in a fight that took place in front of Pike fraternity on June 16th.
Antrim, a senior psychology major, was injured during the fight and decided to press charges against Sipili for repeatedly punching him in the face. The fight happened as a result of a rude comment that Sipili’s friend, defensive tackle Chris Perri, 20, said to a member of Antrim’s group of friends. Perri began to physically argue with CU student James Terry, 22-year-old senior communication major.
Antrim suffered three fractures in his face that required a five-hour surgery to repair. His stitches later became infected and he was hospitalized twice. During this time, he was administered antibiotics via pick line for six weeks. As a result, his graduation was postponed.
“I’m not trying to ruin anyone’s life,” Antrim said during his testimony.
The prosecution showed photographs of the damage done to Antrim’s face. He had both eyes blackened and his face was severely swollen.
During Antrim’s testimony, Sipili, who was dressed in a nice black suit with his curly hair tied back, appeared somber and nervous.
When Sipili had a chance to defend himself, he began to cry as he apologized for his actions and spoke of his role as an ambassador of CU.
Anthropology professor Deward E. Walker Jr., delivered a victim impact statement in order to speak on behalf of Sipili’s character.
“In the time I have known Mr. Sipili, I have discovered that football is probably the only way out of his disadvantaged family situation. He is the first in his family to attend college, and unless he is able to play football, he will lose his scholarship and become unable to continue his studies…There’s a real sense of loyalty in Mr. Sipili towards his team to whom he will stand up for on or off the field,” Walker said.
