PITTSBURGH — On Wednesday, Pitt’s Ithiel Horton’s legal case came to a close as he plead guilty to two counts of disorderly conduct and one count of public intoxication. The felony charge of aggravated assault levied against Horton was dropped, which he believes will allow him to return to the team.
“It took a long time to get here,” Horton’s attorney, Phil DiLucente said after the hearing. “I was at one point frustrated because this man, who is on scholarship and is a leader in his community on the honor roll for this past semester, was not only able to take the court, but he had felony charges hanging over his head. As far as we are concerned, he is cleared today.”
Among the terms of the plea were 80 hours of community service for Horton, along with a drug and alcohol evaluation and six anger management classes.
“He agreed to help out the poor with food and doing community service,” DiLucente continued. “It was very typical how this was resolved. We know one thing, that Ithiel did not receive any special treatment whatsoever. This has taken a long time to get here, but we are very pleased today.”
This resolution comes months after Horton was involved in a physical altercation with a police officer on Pittsburgh’s South Side. At the time, he was charged with four charges, which have now been reduced.
Horton played in one game for the Panthers while his charges were temporarily dropped weeks ago, but shortly after, the charges were re-filed and he was put back on suspension. Now, all signs point to Horton returning to the team after Wednesday’s resolution was reached.
”I’m just happy to be back,” Horton said after the hearing. “Happy to get back playing, happy to be back with the team, and hopefully help us win a couple more games.”
Finally some sensibility from the legal system ! Typical resolution in a case like this, just inordinately delayed.
Only typical for athletes, anyone else would have not had assault on a police officer charges dropped. Whether the outcome is sensible or not, depends on the importance you put on the ability to bounce a ball, through one’s legs.
Glad there is resolution. He can learn from this and move on. He deserves a second chance and the team will benefit with him being back. Adds depth and a 3 point threat that they need.
Who said legalism. This situation could have been resolved months ago, instead of holding some kids life in limbo. Thank gog, that you have a good Attorney, or you would be doing hard time.. Just try and put this incident behind you and move.on.
A little melodramatic Eric. Hard time. His life was in limbo because of his OWN actions.