In late April, 13 members of the Louisiana-Lafayette football program were arrested for conspiracy to commit felony theft and, as you may expect, that bombshell rocked the team to its core. Now, though, it appears as if the Cajuns have received a bit of good news concerning the case.
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The Advertiser brings word that the charges against all 13 players have decreased to misdemeanor criminal mischief and, beyond that, the charges could be dropped entirely after the players in question complete programs that include drug testing and community service. In response, head football coach Mark Hudspeth indicated the following in an official statement from the university:
"We are relieved that this issue is nearing closure. These young men have learned and will continue to learn from this tremendous life lesson. We will continue to be respectful of the legal process as it runs its course."
This appears to be the best case scenario for the program and the individual players, as facing felony charges is not an amiable set-up when trying operate as a full-time college athlete. Still, this case is not officially closed just yet and the situation remains worth monitoring in the coming days as more and more information becomes available.
A former teammate, Artez Williams, told authorities the players entered his dorm room and removed items. The Advertiser obtained a copy of the police report that listed the items that were allegedly stolen, and they included an Xbox game system and associated games, a LG television; and three pairs of Air Jordan shoes. All of the stolen items have been recovered, USAToday reported.
After authorities obtained a video of a burglary at the dormitory, the 13 UL football players were charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to commit felony theft, the Advertiser reported. All of the players are cooperating with authorities, and all were suspended indefinitely from the team.
Williams was dismissed from the football team less than a week before he was booked into jail in connection with a rape allegation. He remains locked up on $100,000 bond.
