Finally, the gem of Michigan State’s 2014 recruiting class has signed his letter of intent.
Defensive end Malik McDowell announced on Twitter on Wednesday morning that he faxed in his letter to Michigan State at 11:12 Tuesday night — the deadline to sign was midnight.
McDowell, a 6-7, 290-pound 5-star prospect from Southfield High School in Detroit, committed to the Spartans on national signing day, but didn’t sign his letter of intent. It was reported that his mother didn’t want him to attend Michigan State and his father preferred he attend college outside the state of Michigan.
His father said his son might look into visiting Florida State and Ohio State. But McDowell told the Detroit News in mid-February that he would not take any more visits and was just waiting to sign before the April 1 deadline.
McDowell was ranked the No. 38 player overall by 247Sports.com and the top player from Michigan. He is the top-rated player in the Spartans’ class.
TIDE RB ARRESTED
Alabama tailback Altee Tenpenny was charged with marijuana possession after an arrest in his Arkansas hometown over spring break.
An incident report from North Little Rock police shows Tenpenny was arrested on March 24 after being pulled over because the light on his license plate wasn't working.
The police report says the officer smelled marijuana and that Tenpenny was acting "extremely nervous and his hands were shaking uncontrollably."
The report says Tenpenny indicated he had "smoked a blunt" with his older brother. The report says Tenpenny admitted that 2.1 grams of marijuana in a clear plastic bag was his.
Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said in a statement Wednesday that Tenpenny will face internal discipline in addition to any punishment from authorities.
Tenpenny played in all 13 games as a freshman.
APPEAL WON’T BE HEARD
The state's highest court on Wednesday said it would not review Jerry Sandusky'schild molestation conviction, but other legal avenues remain open to the former Penn State assistant football coach.
Sandusky had asked the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to take up his 45-count conviction, arguing his lawyers were rushed too quickly to trial in 2012 and that prosecutors improperly made reference to his decision not to testify.
He also said the trial judge should have issued a jury instruction about how long it took his victims to report the abuse and that jurors should not have been told to weigh evidence of his good character against all other evidence.
Sandusky defense attorney Norris Gelman said he was disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision, which was issued in the form of a one-sentence order.
Sandusky has the right to file a new appeal.
"I'm sure he will," Gelman said.
Attorney General Kathleen Kane, whose office prosecuted Sandusky, issued a statement saying she was pleased with the decision.
"Protecting Pennsylvania's children is one of my top priorities and I remain committed to seeking justice for all victims of sexual abuse," Kane said.
The prosecutor's office had said that Sandusky did not provide sufficient basis for the Supreme Court to take up the matter and that decisions made by the trial judge did not violate his rights.
Michael Boni, a lawyer who represents Aaron Fisher and other Sandusky victims, said the Supreme Court made the right call.
"Hopefully this will, once and for all, put to bed any lingering hopes that Jerry will have his sentence reversed, his convictions reversed," Boni said. "It's a happy day for the victims."
Sandusky, 70, is serving a 30- to 60-year prison sentence for sexual abuse of 10 boys.
Gelman said Sandusky can file a new appeal under the state's Post Conviction Relief Act. That appeal, he said, could address any newly discovered evidence as well as any claims that Sandusky's lawyers were not effective.
Sandusky also could eventually take his case to federal court.
Contributors: Ken Bradley, Associated Press