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Gophers' Mbakwe Won't Face Jail Time For Violating Probation

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Gophers basketball player Trevor Mbakwe went before a Florida judge Friday morning in a sentencing hearing hoping to avoid jail time after violating probation.

Mbakwe was arrested earlier this summer for a DUI, which violated terms of probation stemming from an assault case during his time as a student at Miami-Dade community college. He could've faced up to 30 months in jail as a result of violating probation, but was sentenced to two years probation.

Mbakwe went before a judge Friday morning and told the court he's currently attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and is battling depression. The Florida judge determined Mbakwe was not a danger to the community, so he ordered more probation.

In addition to two years of probation, Mbakwe must serve 20 hours of community service each month during his probation. He also must attend AA meetings a minimum of three times per week.

Now it's up to coach Tubby Smith to determine if he will head back to the basketball court with the Gophers. It was said earlier this week that if Mbakwe avoided jail time, his status with the team would not change. Mbakwe said at the team's media day that the incident was handled between he and Smith.

Mbakwe was granted a medical hardship waiver for a sixth year of eligibility after tearing his ACL early in his senior season last year.

University of Minnesota officials had no comment on the matter on Friday. Smith said at media day that Mbakwe would likely start the season coming off the bench.

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