Matt Sinclair gets probation, community service for weapons charge

URBANA, Ill. -- FormerUniversity of Illinoisfootball staff member Matt Sinclair has been sentenced to 18 months of probation and 100 hours of community service for a weapons violation.

The 32-year-old Sinclair was convicted in April of aggravated unlawful use of weapons for carrying a gun without having a concealed-carry license. Sinclair was arrested in November 2013 exiting Interstate 74 after pointing an unloaded gun out his truck window at a vehicle carrying several co-workers. Women riding in a car behind Sinclair saw the act and called police.

Judge Heidi Ladd on Thursday called Sinclair's actions "more than ill-conceived horseplay." Ladd said it was "troubling" behavior from someone who wants to be an example to children.

Sinclair was fired from his position with the Fighting Illini. He has apologized for his actions.