Leggett
MSU wide receivers B.J. Cunningham and Mark Dell and former MSU running back Ashton Leggett were sentenced to 18 months of probation and 150 hours of community service last week on charges of assault and battery in East Lansing’s 54-B District Court.
The charges stem from a November 2009 dormitory brawl in Rather Hall where members of the MSU football team allegedly attacked members of the Iota Phi Theta fraternity.
Cunningham and Dell each pleaded guilty March 8 to one count of assault and battery, and counts of conspiracy to commit assault and battery were dropped.
Leggett pleaded guilty March 10 to two counts of assault and battery with one count of conspiracy dropped.
All three received more than $1,000 in court costs and fines.
Along with probation, Leggett must complete 30 days of alcohol testing, which is scheduled to begin Monday.
News organizations present at the sentencing reported that the alcohol testing stems from a Facebook post Leggett made implying he had been drinking.
Leggett said in court he was not drinking and posted the message to impress a girl, according to reports.
Leggett is attending Illinois State University and is listed on the school’s football roster.
Cunningham and Dell said in court that they were remorseful for their actions.
Jim Newton, Cunningham and Dell’s attorney, said both men were willing to accept responsibility for their actions and make amends for what they had done.
Cunningham apologized in court to the people affected by the altercation.
“I would like to apologize to the individual,” he said. “I would like to apologize to his family also. My actions don’t represent who I am. I am very sorry.”
Judge David Jordon reminded Cunningham and Dell about the weight of their actions and said he had faith they could get back on the right track.
“To (community) kids, you’re like a god,” Jordon said.
“It’s up to you to let them know that it’s important to do the right thing. I believe you can do it, but if you give back to the faulty reasoning, you will get drawn off your path.”
Letters of support were submitted for Cunningham and Dell from family and friends expressing the character of the two men.
Jordon said the letters showed a large support group for both Cunningham and Dell.
Jordan said he hoped the two would take advantage of the people around them to fix their mistakes.
“It’s important to remember you have to focus on key decision times in your life,” Jordon said. This time you blew it, that’s for sure, but you’re not trying to hide that.
“That’s the beginning to taking care of the consequences and moving forward.”
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Staff writer Lauren McKown contributed to this report.
