EX-SMU ATHLETE SENTENCED FOR POT OPERATION

A former Saint Mary's University basketball star who ran a
marijuana-growing operation out of his house received a nine-month
conditional sentence to be served in the community when he appeared in
Halifax provincial court Wednesday.

Cory Jefferson Janes had earlier pleaded guilty to a single count of
producing cannabis (marijuana) in what was described as a "modest"
grow op at his Terence Bay Road residence on Feb. 23, 2005.

Federal Crown attorney Shaun O'Leary said the hydroponic operation in
the basement of Mr. Janes' home generated a crop about once a week.

Mr. O'Leary sought a 15-month conditional sentence, broken down into
five months' house arrest, five months under an 11 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew
and five months abiding by standard court conditions, including
keeping the peace and reporting to his supervisor.

But citing Mr. Janes' "very positive" presentence report, Judge
Barbara Beach opted for a nine-month conditional sentence recommended
by defence counsel Peter Mancini that included three months' house
arrest, followed by three months under an 11 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew and
three months under court imposed conditions.

Mr. Mancini, a Nova Scotia legal aid lawyer, noted his client had
accepted responsibility for his actions and pleaded guilty to the
offence, which saved the court the cost and inconvenience of a trial.

Judge Beach also ordered Mr. Janes to perform 80 hours of community
service and banned him from possessing firearms for 10 years.

She told Mr. Janes that it was "unfortunate" because she believed him
to be a "man of good character" and the offence was out of character.

Mr. Janes, who apologized to the court for his actions, was a member
of SMU's team that won the 1999 national CIAU championship. He was
chosen the tournament's most valuable player.