Robinson was cited on a traffic stop in July and was arrested when he took a breath test and blew a blood-alcohol level of .06. He was charged under Michigan’s “zero tolerance” law, which places restrictive limits on alcohol levels of minors while driving.

The 19-year-old apologized in court for his actions, saying he “made a mistake.”

“It was a dumb decision, and I think differently now of things I could do to avoid this whole situation happening,” Robinson said.

James Heos, Robinson’s defense attorney, said Robinson got behind the wheel because his friend, who was driving at the time, was too intoxicated to continue.

“The other person was excessively intoxicated, and as a result, Mr. Robinson, with his slight intake of an alcoholic beverage, was asked to drive back,” Heos said. “He knows it was a bad mistake, and knows the alternative is to call someone who is not drinking.”

Ball said he typically remains lenient on such charges, especially since it was Robinson’s first offense.

“I never put anyone on probation for this offense,” Ball said. “It’s an overall waste of time.”

In a previous interview with The State News, defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett said Robinson’s charges initially reflected in his performance.

“Early on (it hurt him), but after a while now, everything’s moved on,” Barnett said. “We’ve moved on. He’s earned his way back to where he needs to be and continues to work hard and (is) getting better.”