From the clarion liar:
May 2, 2006
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Suspended MSU players will be eligible for season opener
By Ian R. Rapoport
irapopor@clarionledger.com
STARKVILLE — The six suspended Mississippi State football players will be eligible for the season opener, coach Sylvester Croom announced in a statement today.
Croom had punished cornerback Derek Pegues and safety Keith Fitzhugh, both starters; offensive tackle Michael Gates, quarterback Tray Rutland, and defensive ends Charles Burns and Quinton Wesley for their role in an April 2 altercation.
The six players were charged with assaulting Starkville police officer Demetric Armstead, who was off duty, during a fight at a downtown business.
They were placed on "indefinite" suspension, which forced them to miss the spring Maroon & White game, among other penalties. He had been waiting until the issue resolved itself in court to make his final decision on their eligibility.
On Thursday, all six players saw their charges reduced from felonies to misdemeanors, according to their lawyer Jay Perry. They pleaded guilty, paid a $500 fine and received six-month suspended sentences on the reduced charge.
Croom ended the matter with his announcement.
"The legal system has worked, and our players have been penalized by the court," Croom said in a statement released by the school. "They have each paid a hefty fine and essentially they are on probation for two years."
The players had been banished from football-related activities through the spring. Additionally, they were banned from going to functions at the site of the incident, Level III in Starkville. They also faced an 11 p.m. curfew and on-campus sensitivity training.
It all ends when football practice begins in August. They will be eligible for the Aug. 31 opener on ESPN against South Carolina.
"When they report back to campus this summer, the suspension will be lifted," Croom said.
