FORT WORTH (July 1, 2009)--A four-time world champion rodeo clown from Texas has been sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution for his role in helping abscond with 300 head of cattle.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Wednesday released the results of the case against Michael Eugene Matt, 36, of Blanco, who was sentenced in mid-June.

The cattle, worth about $244,000, were taken from a ranch in Oklahoma.

Matt is a four-time world champion Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Professional Bull Riders bullfighter and rodeo performer.

His accomplice in the case, Traven Wayne Clifft, 22, of McAlester, Okla., pleaded guilty in February and was also sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay more than $130,000 in restitution.