Gophers' White could seek deal for MOA charges

David Brewster, Dml - Star Tribune

Trevor Mbakwe and Royce White sat out the game in their street clothes.

Meanwhile, Trevor Mbakwe's next day in court is set for Jan. 7.

By MYRON P. MEDCALF, Star Tribune

Last update: November 18, 2009 - 8:40 AM

The legal system remains the toughest opponent for sidelined Gophers men's basketball newcomers Royce White and Trevor Mbakwe.

Following a court hearing for White in Edina on Tuesday, White's attorney, F. Clayton Tyler, said he hopes to resolve the freshman's legal situation related to Oct. 13 shoplifting and fifth-degree assault charges at the Mall of America as early as next week. White is scheduled to go to trial for that incident next Wednesday.

Tyler also said he might seek a deal, once he reviews surveillance footage from that day. White did not appear at Tuesday's hearing.

"I'm always hoping to resolve the matter if we can," he said. "I've got to look at the videotape ... and at that time, I'll be able to make some fruitful discussions, hopefully, with the prosecutors."

Mbakwe will not compete for the Gophers until there's an outcome in a felony assault charge stemming from an April incident in Miami. The junior forward received a Jan. 7, 2010, court date Tuesday, according to the Miami-Dade court website. Mbakwe likely will receive a new trial date at that Jan. 7 hearing, Miami-Dade district attorney spokesman Terry Chavez said Tuesday.

Gophers coach Tubby Smith and athletic director Joel Maturi have discussed the possibility that Mbakwe will miss the entire season. He would still have two years to play if that happens. Maturi said Smith and Mbakwe will make the final decision on whether it's best for Mbakwe to redshirt.

White's attorney said he has started his own investigation into his client's possible involvement in an on-campus burglary Nov. 7, occurring weeks after White was arrested by Bloomington police at Mall of America. White was suspended indefinitely by Smith after that arrest.

Campus police called White a potential suspect in a burglary at Territorial Hall where a laptop computer was stolen. Gophers spokesman Matt Slieter said recently that White won't practice or attend games until police conclude their investigation.

When asked about that crime, Tyler suggested the Mall of America incident might have ramped up speculation about White's possible connection to the on-campus burglary.

"I think even if you talk to police, there's just innuendoes going around, and I think part of the problem was that he had this case out here and things escalate as a result of that," Tyler said.

Tyler said he "assumes" there is video footage showing White entering and leaving the dormitory the night of the burglary.

Smith doesn't let freshmen players talk to the media until conference play begins, so White hasn't spoken publicly about his legal situation. But Tyler said White is having a tough time away from basketball, which is why he wants to move forward quickly.

"I talk to him daily, and it's always difficult for a young man, 18 years of age, to go through where you're not doing what you have the ability to do, so we're going through it," Tyler said. "And we're going to try to resolve things."

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