EX-SOONER WILSON GETS 22 YEARS

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Former University of Oklahoma running back Stanley
Wilson, whose NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals was plagued by
drug problems, was sentenced to 22 years in prison Friday for stealing
about $130,000 worth of property.

Wilson, 37, was convicted last month of stealing jewelry, camera
equipment and other valuables from a Beverly Hills home on Jan. 24,
1998.

Under the state's "three strikes" law, prosecutors were seeking a 25
years to life term because Wilson had already served time for
burglarizing two homes in Long Beach.

Superior Court Judge Frank J. Johnson eliminated one of the "strikes"
against Wilson, but sentenced him to the maximum on two others.

In throwing out the third strike, Johnson cited Wilson's "mental
problems."

In addition to battling a cocaine habit, Wilson suffers from bipolar
disorder, defense attorney H. Clay Jacke said. The affliction is
characterized by alternating states of mania and depression.