Goodwin, Antonio - Former Auburn player sentenc...

Former Auburn football player Antonio Goodwin sentenced to 15 years in prison

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Antonio Goodwin looks back after being convicted in April (Vasha Hunt, Opelika-Auburn News/Associated Press)

By Evan Woodbery/Auburn Bureau, The Birmingham News, Press-Register, and The Huntsville Times

OPELIKA, Alabama -- Former Auburn football player Antonio Goodwin was sentenced to 15 years in state prison Tuesday for his role in a home invasion in Auburn last year.

Lee County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Hughes said he took into consideration the many family members who testified to Goodwin's character, but said people deserve to feel secure in their homes.

"One mistake often has tragic consequences, as it did here," Hughes said.

Goodwin's sentence of 180 months was the middle range of the sentencing guidelines prescribed for law, which Hughes calculated at 117 to 255 months.

Goodwin addressed the court before his sentencing, saying he apologized for his actions and that he had become a "better person" and "better decision-maker" since being arrested.

Goodwin's mother, sister, girlfriend, stepfather, biological father and pastor spoke on his behalf. Goodwin hung his head and daubed at his eyes during their testimony, leaving a crumpled pile of tissues in front of him.

His mother, who was a constant presence during his trial in April, cried softly after the verdict was read. Goodwin took one last look back at his family before being led away in handcuffs.

Goodwin's attorney Lauryn Lauderdale said she would ask for probation or a split sentence. Hughes said a probation hearing would be scheduled at a later date.

Goodwin, Shaun Kitchens, Mike McNeil and Dakota Mosley were arrested last March after allegedly participating in the armed robbery of a home off Wire Road. All four players were immediately dismissed from the football team by coach Gene Chizik.

The next defendant likely won't go on trial until later this year.

Lauderdale said Goodwin had been offered a plea bargain that included a 21-year sentence beforehand, so there was nothing to lose by going to trial. Goodwin was convicted of first-degree robbery in April.

Hughes said Goodwin's actions on the night of the robbery are "inconsistent with his history," as he had no serious criminal record.

"Many good people here today are anguished because of (Goodwin's) actions," Hughes said.

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