Graham Given Three-Year Term in State Prison

Michael Graham, considered among the top high school running backs in the nation, was sentenced to three years in state prison Wednesday for his role in a drive-by shooting.

Graham, 18, and Eric Williams, 19, had been charged with attempted murder but were sentenced Wednesday in Pasadena Superior Court by Judge Janice Croft after pleading guilty to lesser charges.

Graham pleaded guilty to assault with a firearm. Williams also pleaded guilty to using a firearm and was sentenced to six years in state prison.

Witnesses said Graham drove the car while Williams fired into a Pasadena house on Feb. 17. No one was injured in the incident, which police suspect was gang related.

Graham, who played at four high schools in four years, quit the Pasadena Muir football team in October. Interest from recruiters had vanished, even though he had gained more than 4,000 yards in less than three seasons.

Lucinda Graham said her son was to leave for the Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia on Feb. 18, where he hoped to revive his football career. Among the school’s graduates is Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George of Ohio State.

Graham could be released as soon as 16 months, according to his attorney, Ray Fountain. Lucinda Graham said he still intends to enroll in a military school to catch the eye of college coaches.

Graham’s high school career was marked with potential and controversy almost from the beginning.

Graham first attended Santa Ana Mater Dei, but transferred to Huntington Beach Edison four games into his sophomore year. He helped the Chargers reach the Southern Section Division II quarterfinals, but did not finish the year at the school.

As a junior, Graham enrolled at Covina Charter Oak and played the entire season at one school for the only time. He gained 2,390 yards, scored 34 touchdowns and was named Division IV player of the year. But problems continued, including an arrest for allegedly receiving stolen property.

Graham was eventually expelled from Charter Oak for undisclosed reasons.

Graham, who grew up in Altadena, played four games at Pasadena Muir last season. But he was suspended two games for disciplinary reasons and later quit the team.