DaVonte’ Neal, an ex-University of Arizona football cornerback, has been sentenced to two decades in prison for murder. Neal's conviction pertains to the 2017 killing of Bryan T. Burns, for which he could have faced up to 25 years behind bars. As reported by AZFamily, the sentencing took place on Friday, with emotional testimonials given by the victim's family.
"....We are 100% sure that if you [Bryan] would have not faced this tragedy, if you would have moved, we all would be living together or near one another. But that is not the option that you are able to get due to DaVonte' Neal taking your life as if he had to that night," was read during the hearing on behalf of Burns’ sister-in-law, who was absent. The statement detailed the profound impact of Burns' loss on his family, as noted by AZFamily.
Neal's encounter with the law began in 2022 while he was employed as an assistant coach for Idaho State University's football team. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, he was indicted by a grand jury and subsequently arrested, later being extradited to Arizona to face the charges.
Prior his coaching tenure and legal troubles, Neal was known as a prominent football figure. Born in Akron, Ohio, he played college football at U of A from 2013 to 2016 and was also a two-time Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year during his time at Chaparral High School. Before his stint in Arizona, Neal had been part of the football program at Notre Dame in the 2012 season, and he has also coached at the high school and junior college levels following his collegiate career. This trajectory ended when the allegations emerged, leading to a dramatic shift from the sports field to a courtroom and, eventually, incarceration.
