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76ers co-owner wrote letter in support of Meek Mill before his prison sentencing

samantha pell
Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin wrote a letter in support of rapper Meek Mill.
Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin wrote a letter in support of rapper Meek Mill.

Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin wrote a letter to a judge on behalf of Philly rapper Meek Mill, who was recently sentenced to two to four years in prison for a probation violation.

The letter, obtained by Sports Illustrated’s The Crossover, includes Rubin’s impassioned plea to Judge Genece E. Brinkley before Mill’s sentencing. It can be read in its entirety here.

Within the letter, Rubin writes Meek Mill is a “good friend” and whom he met well over four years ago at the NBA All-Star Game. The two now talk regularly, according to Rubin, who wrote that Meek Mill is aware he is at a “pivotal point in his career” and “the stakes are high.” The letter was written three days prior to Meek Mill’s sentencing.

Here are a few excerpts from the letter as Rubin tried to state his case, citing the rapper’s mistakes, but also his commitment to growth:

“My daughter recently saw news of Meek’s pending hearing online and asked me why such a great guy was experiencing such struggles in life. I explained to her that I recognized Meek did some dumb things in the past and was working hard to make things right. I know that he has taken painkillers without a prescription, found himself in altercations at an airport in Milwaukee, rode recklessly on four-wheelers. But I also know that he is committed to not making such mistakes again. He knows that he is at a pivotal point in his career and that the stakes are high. I want you to know that I am personally invested in helping him so that he can help others.”

“Please know that I am devoted to his future and to making sure that he accomplishes the goals that you have set forth for him. He not only has a bright future but also a unique opportunity to inspire young men at a time when others are tearing them down. I would hate to see him incarcerated for these violations. I truly believe that such a sentence would destroy his future.”

Meek Mill received the prison sentence after multiple probation violations that include an arrest involving ATV riding charges in New York and for an altercation at a St. Louis airport earlier this year. In 2014, he had also served a three- to six-month prison sentence. Meek Mill was also already on probation when Rubin met him at the All-Star Game four years ago.

Within the letter, Rubin also lauded Meek Mill for his “growing influence and resources to give back to the Philadelphia,” which was exemplified a few weeks ago when Meek Mill invited 35 kids from the Boys & Girls Club to attend a Sixers game. The kids got to meet Sixers big man Joel Embiid.

There was a rally on Monday protesting Meek Mill’s sentencing outside Philadelphia’s Criminal Justice Center.