Jury Convicts Jealous Punter of Assault

College athlete stabbed rival in an attempt to take over his starting spot
By Max Brallier,  Newser User
Posted Aug 10, 2007 6:35 AM CDT
Jury Convicts Jealous Punter of Assault
Mitch Cozad looks over at his lawyer Joseph Andy Gavaldon after Judge Marcelo Kopcow read a question from the jury during his attempted first-degree murder and second-degree assault trial Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007, in Greeley, Colo. Jurors in the trial of Cozad, a college football player charged with...   (Associated Press)

Mitch Cozad, the North Colorado punter who stabbed rival Rafael Mendoza in the leg in an attempt to steal his starting spot on the football team, was convicted of second-degree assault yesterday and faces up to 16 years in prison.  The more serious charge of attempted murder was tossed out. 

Some controversy may surround the verdict, as Cozad did pass a lie-detector test. Cozad's lawyer plans to appeal, describing the verdict as an "absolute disappointment." (More Mitch Cozad stories.)

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