Sam ukwuachu born

By Michael Haag | Sports Editor

After a seven-year journey through the criminal justice system, former Baylor football player Sam Ukwuachu’s conviction for sexually assaulting a former student-athlete was affirmed by Waco’s 10th Court of Appeals on Thursday.

Ukwuachu, 29, was convicted in August 2015 for sexually assaulting a female soccer player at his apartment in October 2013. It was suggested he be placed on probation by the jury, and former 54th State District Judge Matt Johnson commanded Ukwuachu serve 180 days in the county jail as part of his 10-year probation.

The former defensive lineman was released on an appeal bond after he served two months and two weeks of that term.

Ukwuachu’s case, along with other Baylor football players and students who were accused of sexual assault, brought a negative light to Baylor University in terms of sexual violence issues. The accusations led to the departure of former football coach Art Briles and university pre