Court sends message but leans toward leniency
Second story is longer: begins here
Probation for SMU hazing
12:00 AM CDT on Tuesday, June 27, 2006


Raymond Lee wipes tears after learning of his punishment. The victim, Braylon Curry, (left) nearly died after chugging water. Classes kept him away from Monday’s proceedings.
Both options weighed on jurors’ minds as they considered how to punish the first of eight men charged in an SMU fraternity initiation that involved chugging water and caused a pledge to nearly die.
They returned with a little of both Monday, according to relatives of the defendant and victim. Raymond Lee received 10 years’ probation, a $10,000 fine and 180 days in jail.
The 28-year-old DeSoto fitness trainer was convicted Friday of aggravated assault in connection with the November 2003 off-campus ritual of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.