Ex-Illini Football Staffer To Face Weapons Charge

A Champaign County judge has rejected a former University of Illinois football staff member's claim that an anti-weapons law is unconstitutional.

The News-Gazette reports Tuesday that Judge Heidi Ladd ruled that 31-year-old Matt Sinclair will stand trial for aggravated unlawful use of weapon after a November incident.
 
Sinclair, a linebacker for the Fighting Illinois from 2001 to 2004, resigned his $80,000-a-year job in February.
 
Sinclair allegedly pointed a gun in jest at a co-worker while traveling on Interstate 74 following a game at Purdue. A woman driving behind called police.
 
Attorneys argued that Sinclair should be protected by the state's concealed carry law. It took effect in July 2013. But permits were not available until January.

Ladd ruled the previous law was still in force until then.