EVANS, Ga. -- Miami Dolphins tight end Randy McMichael
pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three months probation on a
charge related to a July argument during which police say he gave
his wife a bloody nose.
McMichael, 26, of Weston, Fla., entered the plea through his
attorney to misdemeanor criminal trespass on Thursday, the Augusta
Chronicle reported on its Web site Friday. He did not attend the
hearing.
McMichael originally was charged with three misdemeanor counts --
criminal trespass, public drunkenness and family violence battery --
after police said the former Georgia football player argued with
his wife, Cawanna Anise McMichael, 22, in a parking lot in
Grovetown, Ga., on July 9.
Superior Court Judge Neal Dickert sentenced McMichael under the
First Offender Act to 90 days of probation, a $500 fine and
restitution to pay for the damages, according to court records.
Court records show Cawanna McMichael refused to pursue the
battery charge and the public drunkenness charge was dropped as
part of a negotiated plea agreement with the District Attorney's
office.
According to the NFL's Person Conduct Policy, McMichael could be
"subject to discipline as determined by the Commissioner. Such
discipline may include a fine, suspension without pay and/or
banishment from the League."
"This issue will be reviewed under the leagues personal conduct
policy," Steve Alic, an NFL spokesman, said Friday. "There is no
time frame for the conclusion of the review."
Dolphins coach Nick Saban declined to say whether he'll take
disciplinary action.
"I know Randy has learned a lesson from this," Saban said in a
statement. "It's important for all our players to understand that
they represent this team and this community, and conduct themselves
accordingly. Regarding anything we will do in this specific
instance, it's a team matter and as such will be handled
privately."
Prosecutors decided not to file charges after McMichael was
arrested in June 2004 and accused of hitting his wife. McMichael
had been charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant woman, a
second-degree felony that is punishable by up to 15 years in
prison.
McMichael, a fourth-round draft pick in 2002, led the Dolphins
with 73 receptions, a single season record for tight ends, and was
second on the team with 791 yards receiving.