Campbell gets judicial diversion in shoplifting case

Campbell was originally charged with theft of property worth $500 or less after he was arrested in March 2004 when authorities said he stuffed 25 feet of coaxial cable into his sweat shirt pocket. The cable was worth $6.96.

The charge was reduced to attempted shoplifting, and Knox County General Sessions Court judge Tony Stansberry put Campbell on judicial diversion for six months. He also was ordered to pay court costs, according to court records.

Campbell could have his record expunged if he pays the fee and stays out of trouble for six months.

Campbell, a junior, started in five games last season as a safety, had 21 tackles and led the team with four interceptions.

Coach Phillip Fulmer has suspended Campbell for the No. 3 Volunteers’ season opener on Sept. 3 against UAB.

Campbell’s attorney, Don Bosch, said he had no comment about why his client wanted the cable.

Another charge of driving on a suspended license was dismissed. Campbell now has a valid license, Bosch said.

Campbell was stopped by police for a noise violation on June 17, and the officer found his license was suspended. He also had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court on the shoplifting charge. Campbell was then taken into custody and released about 12 hours later after posting a $500 bond, records show.

Campbell’s case was the last to be resolved among the eight Tennessee football players who have been arrested or cited since January for crimes ranging from aggravated assault to underage drinking.