Claressa Shields’ Brother Accepts Plea Deal for James Ali Bashir Assault Case
Artis J. Mack, the brother of women’s world championship boxer Claressa Shields, has reached a plea deal in connection with the assault of boxing trainer James Ali Bashir.
According to MLive out of Flint, Michigan, Mack pleaded to one count of aggravated assault, a misdemeanor charge that is punishable by up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.
The 28-year-old resident of Flint is accused of punching Bashir, 68, at an October 4, 2019 weigh-in between Shields and Ivana Habazin at the Dort Federal Event Centre.
Chaos and a melee ensued following the event, with Bashir being rushed to the hospital due to facial damage. Shields sent a heartfelt apology to Habazin’s camp and Mack was subsequently arrested. The bout was canceled and ultimately rescheduled (Shields fought and defeated Habazin on January 10, 2020) .
Mack Getting Off Light?
According to Manley, Mack’s attorney, this situation was unfortunate but was happy with the decision, as he told mlive.com.
“It was bad for the city, bad for his sister and certainly bad for everybody involved. Hopefully this will put an end to it. We consider it a victory. Mr. Mack was confronted with fighting words and very emotional and provocative language.
He was concerned about the safety of his sister. I think there were words in there that were racially tinged, and in his mind, those were fighting words and so forth allowed him to go forward and protect his sister.”
Mack was smart to cop a plea. He had been facing an assault charge with intent to do great bodily harm, less than murder, which in the state of Michigan is a felony that could carry a 10-year sentence.
Now the most Mack will have to face is a year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Call that getting off the hook. He will be sentenced on March 10.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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