3 Michigan State players charged with robbery

[stomperrob]

But they're not even being suspended - no details on the robbery, but coach must think it's either pretty minor or accepts their version of what happened and is awaiting the outcome of court proceedings before taking action.

Thursday, October 25, 2007
MSU football players charged in robbery
Santiago Esparza and Dave Dye / The Detroit News

Three Michigan State University football players face an Oct. 30 pretrial hearing on felony unarmed robbery charges stemming from an April 21 incident at the L & L Food Center in Meridian Township, according to 55th District Court records.

Linebacker SirDarean Adams of Bradenton, Fla., cornerback/receiver T.J. Williams from Tallahassee and cornerback and defensive back Jeremy Ware of Fort Myers were arraigned Wednesday on one count each of unarmed robbery.

Williams also was charged with one count of misdemeanor assault stemming from the incident at the store, 6075 Hagadorn Rd.

Adams is free on a $15,000 personal recognizance bond, Ware on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. Williams is free on a $15,000 personal recognizance bond on the robbery charge and $100 personal recognizance bond on the assault charge.

The players pleaded not guilty to the charges, court employees said.

Mark White, manager of the store where the incident is alleged to have occurred, said the shop was not robbed by any players.

Ingham County prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said the three players were charged in an incident that took place in a grocery store parking lot, the Associated Press reported.

MSU football coach Mark Dantonio said in a statement released to Lansing TV station WILX that he has been aware of the investigation for the past six months.

"We were notified about an alleged incident back in late April, and this week charges were filed," the coach said. "We have closely monitored this situation for over six months. Throughout this process, our student athletes have been cooperative with the authorities, and they have maintained their innocence to all parties involved.

"In fairness to the student athletes alleged to have been involved in the incident, the prudent decision is to allow the legal process to continue to run its full course and for the truth to be determined."

As part of their bond, the players are free to leave the state to play football.

"These student athletes will remain on the roster and continue to have the opportunity to play in games," Dantonio said in his statement. "We take allegations of this nature very seriously, and we will not discuss this issue any further until there's a legal resolution."