Mao Enters Guilty Plea to Assaults

San Diego State football player Tracey Mao pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury for two separate March 3 attacks.

In addition, on one of the counts, Mao admitted personally inflicting great bodily injury on the victim.

Sentencing has been set for Aug. 21. Mao could receive up to eight years in prison, although his attorney, Bob Grimes, is hoping for probation.

“Tracey has no prior conviction of any kind,” Grimes said. “People who know him, players and the coaching staff, were shocked. This isn’t like Tracey.

“We certainly hope that this will be taken into consideration.”

Mao, a senior from Lynwood, has been following a judge’s orders by regularly attending Alcoholics’ Anonymous meetings and obeying a 10 p.m. curfew, Grimes said.

The attacks occurred during an apparent revenge spree following a Feb. 21 fraternity brawl in which Aztec quarterback David Lowery suffered a broken jaw. SDSU Coach Al Luginbill said at the time of Mao’s arrest that alcohol had been involved.

Mao, a linebacker, has been suspended from the football team by Luginbill pending completion of judicial procedures.