On Tuesday, June 19, former Auburn football player Antonio Goodwin was found guilty of first-degree robbery and sentenced to serve fifteen years in prison for a robbery that took place in March 2011.
"I want to apologize for my actions and my poor judgment," Goodwin said before the sentencing. "In the time I was at home, I had time to think about it and I've become a better person and a better decision-maker."
Goodwin, 21, was sentenced by Lee County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Hughes, who said he took into consideration the testimonies of the many members of Goodwin's family who spoke of his good character, but said people deserve to feel safe at home.
Goodwin's father, stepfather, sister, mother, girlfriend, and the Rev. Allen Hollie all testified on his behalf.
Hughes spoke to ESPN and said Goodwin's actions were "inconsistent somewhat with his history."
"It is not uncommon for a terrible offense to happen and not be a habit," Hughes said. "One mistake often has tragic consequences, as it did here."
The 180 months Goodwin received are about the middle of the estimated range of 117-255 months that state law demands.
Goodwin's lawyer, Lauryn Lauderdale, argued that Goodwin was impaired from the synthetic marijuana he had been smoking the night robbery occurred.
Lauderdale told al.com that Goodwin had been offered a plea bargain that included a 21-year sentence, so there was nothing to lose by going to trial
Lauderdale applied for an appeal bond, but was denied for now. Goodwin will have 43 days to appeal the decision, and Lauderdale also applied for probation.
Goodwin had 21 days of jail credit before the verdict.
He will also be required to pay a $500 attorney fee, court fees and possible reparations for the victims undergoing emotional therapy.
Goodwin was convicted of first-degree robbery on April 13. Goodwin was the first of four former players to go to trial.
Former players Mike McNeil, Shaun Kitchens and Dakota Mosley are also suspected of robbing a trailer home at gunpoint in March of 2011, and all are waiting for their trials that should begin later this year.
The former players allegedly intimidated the victims and made off with a safe and some cell phones.
Moseley is thought to have been driving the get-away vehicle.
Former Player Mike Dyer testified in April that Goodwin wanted him to participate in the robbery because he was in possession of a .45-caliber Hi-Point handgun, according to al.com
According to the Opelika-Auburn News, Dyer said, "They said they were going to hit a lick."
Dyer said believes Goodwin took the gun from his apartment.
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