On Friday T.I. pleaded for leniency before a judge but was met with little. His 11-month sentence was not the maximum term that could have been handed down but it is a lengthy bid, regardless. After the decision was handed down, Dwight Thomas, the Atlanta rapper’s attorney, spoke about his clients surprise at being sent back to prison. In comments made to Freddyo.com Thomas stated, “Of course we’re disappointed in the sentencing. At the same time, it’s far less than what the government asked for…Of course he’s disappointed. This is not what he expected; this is not what he wants in his life at this point. The judge is giving him two weeks to self surrender.”
Earlier at the probation hearing, T.I. admitted he has drug problem and regretted that his addiction cause him to violate the terms of his probation. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the man born Clifford Harris told the judge, “I screwed up big time, and I’m sorry. I’m truly and sincerely sorry. I don’t want and I don’t need to use drugs anymore. I want them out of my life.” CNN.com reports that Harris continued, “As I discovered in talking to my probation officer, I had many problems from my childhood. Now I am down to the disease of addiction. I need help, for me, my mother, my kids. I need the court to give me mercy. Judge, don’t send me back to prison.” That request was, of course, denied.
The Grand Hustle CEO’s already delayed new album, King Uncaged, was scheduled to be released in the fourth quarter of 2010 but further postponement now seems likely.
