MSU players plead to lesser charge
Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2006 8:10 am
April 28, 2006
Players plead to lesser charge
MSU coach has yet to decide whether to lift "indefinite" suspension
By Ian R. Rapoport
irapopor@clarionledger.com
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University football coach Sylvester Croom said he will use the weekend to decide whether to lift the "indefinite" suspension of six players who pleaded guilty Thursday to misdemeanor assault.
The players had been charged with felony assault on a police officer.
The players, all freshmen, are cornerback Derek Pegues and safety Keith Fitzhugh, both starters; offensive tackle Michael Gates, quarterback Tray Rutland, and defensive ends Charles Burns and Quinton Wesley.
The six were charged April 2 with assaulting Starkville police officer Demetric Armstead, who was off duty, during a fight at a downtown business.
A hearing had been scheduled for Monday.
If the players were found guilty of the felony, they would have faced a maximum five years in prison and/or a $1,000 fine.
Instead, each paid a $500 fine and received six-month suspended sentences on the reduced charge.
"We are extremely pleased with the outcome," said their attorney, Jay Perry of Starkville. "These guys and their families are extremely relieved to have this behind them."
The players were not available for comment.
Starkville Police Chief David Lindley and Oktibbeha County prosecuting attorney Roy Carpenter did not return messages seeking comment.
Croom said he will make his decision in time for the Bulldogs first game in August.
Croom suspended the players the day after they were arrested and withheld them from the Maroon & White spring football game several days later. He also administered other disciplinary measures, including an 11 p.m. curfew and on-campus sensitivity training.
Croom would not say Thursday if the players will be allowed to play when State opens the season Aug. 31 against South Carolina in Starkville in a game scheduled to be televised nationally by cable network ESPN.
MSU spokesman Mike Nemeth said Croom will release a statement next week.
In his only in-depth comments about the incident earlier this spring, Croom said the situation developed because players did not walk away from the altercation.
"These things happen, but you can see them coming before they occur," Croom said then. "You can avoid these situations or diffuse them as quickly as possible. That's what did not happen and why the incident took place."
According to their lawyer, the players did learn.
"I want to emphasize that all of them are ... regretful for putting themselves, their families, their team, their coaches, and their university in an uneasy situation," Perry said. "I think it's safe to say that each of them has learned important lessons in conflict situations."
Players plead to lesser charge
MSU coach has yet to decide whether to lift "indefinite" suspension
By Ian R. Rapoport
irapopor@clarionledger.com
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University football coach Sylvester Croom said he will use the weekend to decide whether to lift the "indefinite" suspension of six players who pleaded guilty Thursday to misdemeanor assault.
The players had been charged with felony assault on a police officer.
The players, all freshmen, are cornerback Derek Pegues and safety Keith Fitzhugh, both starters; offensive tackle Michael Gates, quarterback Tray Rutland, and defensive ends Charles Burns and Quinton Wesley.
The six were charged April 2 with assaulting Starkville police officer Demetric Armstead, who was off duty, during a fight at a downtown business.
A hearing had been scheduled for Monday.
If the players were found guilty of the felony, they would have faced a maximum five years in prison and/or a $1,000 fine.
Instead, each paid a $500 fine and received six-month suspended sentences on the reduced charge.
"We are extremely pleased with the outcome," said their attorney, Jay Perry of Starkville. "These guys and their families are extremely relieved to have this behind them."
The players were not available for comment.
Starkville Police Chief David Lindley and Oktibbeha County prosecuting attorney Roy Carpenter did not return messages seeking comment.
Croom said he will make his decision in time for the Bulldogs first game in August.
Croom suspended the players the day after they were arrested and withheld them from the Maroon & White spring football game several days later. He also administered other disciplinary measures, including an 11 p.m. curfew and on-campus sensitivity training.
Croom would not say Thursday if the players will be allowed to play when State opens the season Aug. 31 against South Carolina in Starkville in a game scheduled to be televised nationally by cable network ESPN.
MSU spokesman Mike Nemeth said Croom will release a statement next week.
In his only in-depth comments about the incident earlier this spring, Croom said the situation developed because players did not walk away from the altercation.
"These things happen, but you can see them coming before they occur," Croom said then. "You can avoid these situations or diffuse them as quickly as possible. That's what did not happen and why the incident took place."
According to their lawyer, the players did learn.
"I want to emphasize that all of them are ... regretful for putting themselves, their families, their team, their coaches, and their university in an uneasy situation," Perry said. "I think it's safe to say that each of them has learned important lessons in conflict situations."
