Kirkland arrested in hometown!

Kirkland arrested in hometown


By Dan Rafael
ESPN.com
Archive
Junior middleweight contender James Kirkland, who is scheduled to fight Michael Walker in a 10-round bout May 2 on the Ricky Hatton-Manny Pacquiao HBO PPV card undercard in Las Vegas, was arrested on a weapons charge Sunday.
He was still in custody Monday afternoon.
Kirkland, 25, who is on probation for a 2003 armed robbery that cost him 2½ years of his career, was arrested during a traffic stop in his hometown of Austin, Texas, and booked Sunday afternoon. He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the Travis County Sherriff's Department Web site.
Whether Kirkland (25-0, 22 KOs) will be available to fight May 2 is unclear.
"It appears that James is the victim of circumstance and we're waiting for the facts to come in before we make any comment," Cameron Dunkin, Kirkland's co-manager, told ESPN.com.
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, who signed Kirkland in October and promoted his last two bouts, both of which were on HBO, has talked with Kirkland's attorney and co-manager Michael Miller and had no comment.
"I don't really know anything yet, so I really can't comment, but I'm looking into it," Schaefer said.
Kirkland has emerged as one of the most fearsome punchers in boxing and is on the fast track. After stopping Joel "Love Child" Julio in six rounds on March 7, he was quickly lined up for the May 2 fight which was to be followed with another HBO appearance in August. Schaefer has been trying to put together a title challenge for him against either Sergei Dzindziruk or Daniel Santos.

Seriously though, I know he hasnt been proven guilty but why do these guys with so much promise (especially those getting a second chance like kirkland) continue to make bonehead decisions???

They should throw the book at him.......He would have just gotten Ko'ed by Paul Williams anyway....Maybe this is his way of avoiding Williams......

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Originally Posted by Hunter

Seriously though, I know he hasnt been proven guilty but why do these guys with so much promise (especially those getting a second chance like kirkland) continue to make bonehead decisions???

They should throw the book at him.......He would have just gotten Ko'ed by Paul Williams anyway....Maybe this is his way of avoiding Williams......

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Agreed he gets the book thrown ar him...Obviously he did not appreciate his second chance....Some people don't even get a first chance...

A bit harsh on the Avoiding Williams part but agree on the fact Paul would KO him....So would Santos and Dzindziruk at this stage

Dang, this sucks. Kirkland was somebody that was a future star and he could have been a great face for Boxing with his exciting style.

He's been a favorite prospect of mine for a long while and this is just disappointing to put it mildly. I just don't get why he needs a gun when he rides around with Ann Wolfe everywhere; that woman would scare anyone;D A shame really and he could be in some hot water; here i Texas they don't play when it comes to carrying around firearms.

Very bad news. maybe the judge will give him a break. I doubt it though cause it is a felony.I hope this didnt cost him his career.

hopefully things work out for him

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Originally Posted by THE BOXING GOD

Wow if this is true he's in BIG trouble!!!!! A felon with a firearm is a serious serious offence,usually carrying a mandatory sentence of years in jail,unless schaffer and oscar pay a witch doctor 2 bring johnnie cochran back from the dead this guy might be done,or at least lose the prime of his career,what an idiot ur a top contender put the fukkin gun down,and if the neighborhood u live in is that bad move tha fuk away,I believe oscar would have no problem re-locating one of his top prospects to a beautiful neighborhood

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He'll be fine. His original offense is from 2003. That's 6 years he's been mostly trouble free. He's on the brink of Super Stardom. Oscar and Golden Boy have his back. Not to mention Texas has lax gun laws compared to other states. He'll be fine. He most likely get his probation reinstated. He might be pulled from the May 2 card. But that should be it

No excuse really for this. As a former felon with a sure-fire career in boxing ahead you,, you can't pack a gat.

Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation Boxing Blog

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Originally Posted by Rantcatrat

No excuse really for this. As a former felon with a sure-fire career in boxing ahead you,, you can't pack a gat.

Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation Boxing Blog

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i agree, if he's innocent well hope he gets off fine, if he actually was carrying a gun, he should pay the price

What a dumb azz.Hes obviously not completely broken the cycle in past surroundings.Its all about 'convincing' the higher powers now and being 100 % compliant and crystal clean with authorities.Whatever comes out in the short term with violating terms of probation,I think he should sit it out.He'll get more scrutiny for the charge,rightfully so, than anything he can generate vs. Michael walker.

Well, prison is not a totally bad boxing training ground... Just ask B-Hop... j/k ;)

Seriously, this is a real bad situation for Kirkland... He could end up 2 years in prison (minimum) for this kind of charge considering he's still on probation... :(
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No sympathy for idiotic moves like this. He spends almost 3 years in prison before, you would think he would want to stay out. The guy is on probation, he is fucked. Probation is the second chance. Sorry to say but throw the book at him if he was carrying a gun.

Kirkland deserves to do time!Probation aint no joke!simply put probation is the courts way of saying,look,...you1ve fuked up pretty good up to this point,but inspite of that we are going to give you one more chance,keep your nose clean.

Now you take Kirkland,who up until this point has not cashed any Mega Pay checks,but he`s been on HBO A couple of times and I`m sure he`s made some descent Money,not to mention his undefeated Future in Boxing,so instead of getting A nice car,and place to live,and enjoying life,while concentrateing on bright Boxing carear,he feel it`s necesary to tote around A firearm illedally while on probation,....Some would say,.."You can take the Man out of the Ghetto,but you cant take the Ghetto out of the Man".....Very dissapointing to say the least. Oh well Fuk him whatever he get`s he deserves.

It seems at times as though some people just can't shake off the bad things.
I don't think he'll do time taking into consideration of his career (which believe me judges do and they'll see that he's going down a good path now. If anything they'll give him probation...

I would`nt be so sure about that,if Kirkland is not takeing his Boxing carear seriously,why should the courts?...One thing the courts do take seriously is,repeat offenders,illegal firearms,and probation violaters

Kirkland should be held to his actions and consequences...but I'm not exactly convinced that he was planning another robbery or scoping out the local Mini-mart here,his dollars are right in front of him ? May be weary of his past catching up to him,looking over his shoulder but pretty dumb.

Kirkland should have his probation reinstated and sent off on his way. They haven't even mentioned if the gun was loaded.

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Originally Posted by Scott22

hopefully things work out for him

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Why should things work out for him ?
He's had his chance and here he is making the same mistake again .

What a numptie Kirkland must be ,he''ll soon be exposed that's if the Judge doesnt send him to prison where he can relate tales of what have been !

What Might have been if I was born with any intelligence .

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Originally Posted by Big Dick Whittington

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Originally Posted by Scott22

hopefully things work out for him

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Why should things work out for him ?
He's had his chance and here he is making the same mistake again .

What a numptie Kirkland must be ,he''ll soon be exposed that's if the Judge doesnt send him to prison where he can relate tales of what have been !

What Might have been if I was born with any intelligence .

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Hopefully things work out for us(boxing fans). Kirkland is the most exciting prospect today, if he gets sent to jail we as boxing fans suffer. In that regard I am pulling for him.

On the other hand, I wish I knew more details. It is mind boggling that he could be this stupid.

God damnit, this stuff just angers me. You're on top of the boxing world basically, you've got HBO investing money and TV time on you, you're undefeated, you're a crowd pleaser, you're making good money, WHY THROW IT ALL AWAY?!?! This kinda reminds me of the T.I. incident where he got caught trying to buy those machine guns. I'll never understand what goes through some of these guys heads. Kirkland is a felon, he knows better than to be in possession of a firearm but he did it anyway. I'm hoping that he's innocent or something. He's nowhere as rich and popular as T.I. and even T.I. had to do a year of jail. Kirkland could easily get 5 years down here in Texas. This just saddens me, some people can't just let go of their old life and live a new better life.

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Originally Posted by THE BOXING GOD

Wow if this is true he's in BIG trouble!!!!! A felon with a firearm is a serious serious offence,usually carrying a mandatory sentence of years in jail,unless schaffer and oscar pay a witch doctor 2 bring johnnie cochran back from the dead this guy might be done,or at least lose the prime of his career,what an idiot ur a top contender put the fukkin gun down,and if the neighborhood u live in is that bad move tha fuk away,I believe oscar would have no problem re-locating one of his top prospects to a beautiful neighborhood

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Yeah, but like the saying goes' " you can take them out of the ghetto, but you can't take the ghetto out of them"
Why is this dude even carrying a firearm? Obviously he must have beef or is involved in some kind of illegal activity. What a dumbass!

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Originally Posted by CutMeMick

It seems at times as though some people just can't shake off the bad things.
I don't think he'll do time taking into consideration of his career (which believe me judges do and they'll see that he's going down a good path now. If anything they'll give him probation...

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How do you figure the judge will see he's going down a good path when he is caught with a firearm? Not to mention, if it's a stolen piece, cause we don't know that. If anything the judge will use his ass as an example because he is looked up to by people to a certain extent for being a popular and professional athlete. He deserves any sentence he gets, if he does! Some people never change their gangster mentality, even if they relocate. A gangster mentality is like a heroin addiction, hard to kick.

....what ???!!! No way, isn't kirkland like a pastor or religious leader or something. Hey another big secret kirkland probably has drank and driven before too........oooohhhhhhhhhh !! Who gives a crap, just show up on fight night.

I don't really understand the big deal here I thought you were allowed guns in the US?

They said it was in his car so maybe he was taking it to be repaired or polished?

I mean he hasn't actually commited a crime here other than having a gun in his car. I don't really see the big deal.


I'm with VD on this they ain't going to do anything to him he'll probably even fight as scheduled, all charges dropped.

Tyson got away with a load of cocaine in his car, Bradley Saunders got completely let off for having a stash of coke in his garden and nothing came of Rampage Jacksons big arrest a few months back where he was face down on the floor with armed police pointing shotguns at his head.


Meanwhile last week Edwin Valero's wife was actually shot, and not a mention anywhere on the site :-\

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Originally Posted by Bilbo

I don't really understand the big deal here I thought you were allowed guns in the US?

They said it was in his car so maybe he was taking it to be repaired or polished?

I mean he hasn't actually commited a crime here other than having a gun in his car. I don't really see the big deal.


I'm with VD on this they ain't going to do anything to him he'll probably even fight as scheduled, all charges dropped.

Tyson got away with a load of cocaine in his car, Bradley Saunders got completely let off for having a stash of coke in his garden and nothing came of Rampage Jacksons big arrest a few months back where he was face down on the floor with armed police pointing shotguns at his head.


Meanwhile last week Edwin Valero's wife was actually shot, and not a mention anywhere on the site :-\

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Felons are not allowed carry guns in the US, and Kirkland is a convicted fellow. (Apparently he has a conviction for armed robbery). Additionally, even if you are not a fellon, most states will only let you carry a weapon with a permit. If you are caught carrying the weapon without a permit, you are in big trouble.

In Pennsylvania(where I live), if a person wants to transport a gun, but does not have a permit to carry it, they have to separate the gun and the ammunition, putting one in the trunk and the other in the glove compartment or vice versa.

Judging by the story, Kirkland probably had the gun on his person, and it was probably loaded.

If he had the gun in a case in the trunk they probably wouldnt have found it. He had it under the seat or in the glove box or on his person is going going to jail for a long time......

Guys convicted of a felony (ESPECIALLY ARMED ROBBERY) will get the book thrown at them for carrying a gun on probation.......

Kirkland is done.

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Originally Posted by Hunter

If he had the gun in a case in the trunk they probably wouldnt have found it. He had it under the seat or in the glove box or on his person is going going to jail for a long time......

Guys convicted of a felony (ESPECIALLY ARMED ROBBERY) will get the book thrown at them for carrying a gun on probation.......

Kirkland is done.

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Mountain out of a molehill here we come.

He was on probation far as i know and has kept himself clean for 6 years.

They found a firearm and there's no evidence of intent to use it, they haven't released if it was loaded, they havent even released if it was his gun. All they said was that he was in a traffic stop and that they found a gun in his car.

So I wish people would stop jumping to conclusions saying "He was an idiot, he doesn't take his career seriously, he should be locked up"

If it appeared on the news Ann Wolfe was pulled over for being in a car that was registered a stolen vehicle, would you people then say she should be locked up and stole the car? Probably, until you saw the real sports special on her about how she didn't even know and was driving one of her young boxer's cars while they went on a run.

Who is to say that the gun isn't Kirkland's and that he had no idea it was in the car?

if it was one of boxings heroes or good boys then he'd get the benefit of the doubt in every way, but because this guy was a felon despite being clean for 6 years people jump to the conclusion "oh he's at it again"

Seriously people, wait for the whole story.

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Originally Posted by Majesty

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Originally Posted by Hunter

If he had the gun in a case in the trunk they probably wouldnt have found it. He had it under the seat or in the glove box or on his person is going going to jail for a long time......

Guys convicted of a felony (ESPECIALLY ARMED ROBBERY) will get the book thrown at them for carrying a gun on probation.......

Kirkland is done.

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Mountain out of a molehill here we come.

He was on probation far as i know and has kept himself clean for 6 years.

They found a firearm and there's no evidence of intent to use it, they haven't released if it was loaded, they havent even released if it was his gun. All they said was that he was in a traffic stop and that they found a gun in his car.

So I wish people would stop jumping to conclusions saying "He was an idiot, he doesn't take his career seriously, he should be locked up"

If it appeared on the news Ann Wolfe was pulled over for being in a car that was registered a stolen vehicle, would you people then say she should be locked up and stole the car? Probably, until you saw the real sports special on her about how she didn't even know and was driving one of her young boxer's cars while they went on a run.

Who is to say that the gun isn't Kirkland's and that he had no idea it was in the car?

if it was one of boxings heroes or good boys then he'd get the benefit of the doubt in every way, but because this guy was a felon despite being clean for 6 years people jump to the conclusion "oh he's at it again"

Seriously people, wait for the whole story.

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This is a discussion forum. IF we had to wait to get the full story before we talked about thing, we would never be able to talk about anything.

Bottom line is that he is a convicted felon, on probation, so that said he cant even be near any firearms or dangerous weopons, let alone have a gun on his person. Ball game, he's back to where he started.

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Originally Posted by Majesty

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Originally Posted by Hunter

If he had the gun in a case in the trunk they probably wouldnt have found it. He had it under the seat or in the glove box or on his person is going going to jail for a long time......

Guys convicted of a felony (ESPECIALLY ARMED ROBBERY) will get the book thrown at them for carrying a gun on probation.......

Kirkland is done.

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Mountain out of a molehill here we come.

He was on probation far as i know and has kept himself clean for 6 years.

They found a firearm and there's no evidence of intent to use it, they haven't released if it was loaded, they havent even released if it was his gun. All they said was that he was in a traffic stop and that they found a gun in his car.

So I wish people would stop jumping to conclusions saying "He was an idiot, he doesn't take his career seriously, he should be locked up"

If it appeared on the news Ann Wolfe was pulled over for being in a car that was registered a stolen vehicle, would you people then say she should be locked up and stole the car? Probably, until you saw the real sports special on her about how she didn't even know and was driving one of her young boxer's cars while they went on a run.

Who is to say that the gun isn't Kirkland's and that he had no idea it was in the car?

if it was one of boxings heroes or good boys then he'd get the benefit of the doubt in every way, but because this guy was a felon despite being clean for 6 years people jump to the conclusion "oh he's at it again"

Seriously people, wait for the whole story.

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A decent sensible post. I am happy to place a sig bet with anyone that Kirkland doesn't get any jail time whatsoever for this.

It will be completely forgotten in a couple weeks.

If we are making a mountain out of a molehill, why is he still in jail?

I actually liked Kirkland but I didnt know he was a punk who needed to use a weapon to rob someone, what a little pansy.

Regardless of what his intentions were for this gun it is a big no no for felon to have a gun.

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Originally Posted by THE BOXING GOD

Guys I guess u didn't read wat I said,FEDERAL OFFENCE!!!!! In the united states it is a federal offence for a felon to possess a firearm,doesn't matter if its loaded empty no ammo,if it was in his car and he was alone,or if there was sum1 n the car that didn't claim it,its kirklands point blank,this may come as a surprise but I am a convicted felon,so trust me guys I know,I've been through a similar situation be4,he previous charge was ARMED ROBBERY,that's what's gonna screw him,if its in his car its his,and believe it or not guys boxers don't exactly have a great reputation,like was said above,T.I. has to do a year and a day,and that was only because he agreed 2 do thousands of hours community service which he did on his lil tv show goin around helpin troubled kids,kirkland isn't a world famous figure,and he won't be getting any tv show,and u guys might get offended over this and its totally not a racist statement but its the truth,he's black and he's in texas,I'm from tha projects and I've been in the justice system for a long time,it aint looking good for kirkland,unless the judge seen the kirkland-julio fight and loves kirkland he's goin 2 jail guys,I'm telling you they don't play when it comes to a felon possesing a firearm,plaxico burress is lookin at a lil time n jail and he aint even a felon,in america a person with a felony is looked at as lower life form,I go to job interviews and when they see I have a felony from 5 years ago,its like they get scared and disgusted,its nearly impossible 2 get a job,no1 will hire you,its really bullshitt,but its the way it is,and the judge is gonna read his prior offence of armed robbery,and he's gonna give it to him,and its no1 but james fault the judge don't care what excuse he's gonna have

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We can have a sig bet if you like. I bet you he does no jail time and his career carries on as normal. His May fight might get postponed but he's fighting again by the summer.

His probation was six years ago he's been completely clean since then. He's clearly making a real go of it to rebuild his life and will get excellent character offenses across the board.

All he did was have a gun in his car. Unless they can a) prove the gun was his and that he knew it was there, and b) link it to some kind of intent to offence or show how it was used in an offense they won't do anything to him other than maybe a fine, and some community service.

If the gun had been found loaded in his jacket then he'd have a harder job explaining but in his car they don't have enough to do him.

In Kirklands defence, everyone in Texas owns a gun. Its actually considered unamerican if you dont have one down there ;D

Update: Boxer Kirkland held on federal gun charge

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Originally Posted by Rantcatrat

Update: Boxer Kirkland held on federal gun charge

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Thats brutal.Thanks for the update.A little more clear here.It was no local yockle cop but ATF agents on a stake out.Thats about as serious as it gets.Wonder if they'll go for trafficking.

The gunshows are very loosly regulated and there to be exploited.I dont know what his intent was but he stepped into up to his neck on this one.Sad and dumb equally.

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Originally Posted by THE BOXING GOD

Wow thanks 4 that rantcatrat,I think I just won the bet billbo!!!!! This wasn't a random traffic stop they were doin survillance on kirkland!!!! He wasn't arrested by local police he was arrested by ATF agents!!!!!! And he was already under suspicion 4 ditching a gun be4!!!!!! He's goin 2 jail there will be ATF agents testifying at court against him,his probation is revoked and his travel permit will be taken away this guy aint leaving the state of texas 4 awhile,he can 4get about vegas,sounds 2 me this aint a chance or circumstances a a LOADED 40 cal. handgun in his cadillac,I doubt it was his girls giant handgun,sounds 2 me like this guy is a plain idiot,u had the world n ur palm(and a 40 cal)and u threw it away,I hope he doesn't try 2 put it off on that poor girl,well she's an idiot 2 4 buying it 4 him and I imagine shell be facing charges too,I see golden boy dropping him sometime n the near future this guy obviously can't leave tha thug life alone and oscar aint having it

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Well first of I'm not sure why your so gleeful about it I mean he's one of the most exciting talents in boxing it would be a tragic waste if he were to get sent down and his career ruined.

Secondly, it ain't over, that's just the news story he's not been convicted of anything yet.

He'll walk.

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Originally Posted by Bilbo

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Originally Posted by THE BOXING GOD

Wow thanks 4 that rantcatrat,I think I just won the bet billbo!!!!! This wasn't a random traffic stop they were doin survillance on kirkland!!!! He wasn't arrested by local police he was arrested by ATF agents!!!!!! And he was already under suspicion 4 ditching a gun be4!!!!!! He's goin 2 jail there will be ATF agents testifying at court against him,his probation is revoked and his travel permit will be taken away this guy aint leaving the state of texas 4 awhile,he can 4get about vegas,sounds 2 me this aint a chance or circumstances a a LOADED 40 cal. handgun in his cadillac,I doubt it was his girls giant handgun,sounds 2 me like this guy is a plain idiot,u had the world n ur palm(and a 40 cal)and u threw it away,I hope he doesn't try 2 put it off on that poor girl,well she's an idiot 2 4 buying it 4 him and I imagine shell be facing charges too,I see golden boy dropping him sometime n the near future this guy obviously can't leave tha thug life alone and oscar aint having it

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Well first of I'm not sure why your so gleeful about it I mean he's one of the most exciting talents in boxing it would be a tragic waste if he were to get sent down and his career ruined.

Secondly, it ain't over, that's just the news story he's not been convicted of anything yet.

He'll walk.

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Personally I do find it funny......First James commits armed robbery, gets caught, and goes to prison, he is released and is assigned a probation officer....He gets his "life together" and becomes a hot boxing prospect.
hmmmm..so whats up next......
Jimmy gets into some trouble and throws a gun under a car and his probation officer is in the process of revoking his probation MEANWHILE Kirkland heads off to the local gun show to pick up some new guns.....hahaha

I couldnt make this stuff up.....

Jimbo is going to be lucky if he gets out of jail while he awaits trial......

Assuming its all true and it looks like it, he's fucked. Mountain of a molehill? Plax Burress could do jail time for having an illegal gun, Kirkland has an illegal gun and is a felon on probation. Fucked.

The only reason why I would say maybe he's not an idiot is maybe he was worried about something happening to him, maybe there was a threat but if so he could have handled it some other way. If he just decided he wanted a gun for the hell of it he's an idiot.