Rees pleads guilty to party arrest charges

July 23, 2012|by Pete Byrne (pmbyrne@wsbt.com)

WSBT-TV/MARK HONAKER

SOUTH BEND - Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees pleaded guilty Monday to illegal consumption by a minor and resisting arrest in a St. Joseph County court, as part of a plea agreement in connection to his May 3rd arrest. Both are misdemeanor offenses.

Per the plea agreement, Rees receives a 30-day suspended sentence, 11 months of administrative probation, 50 hours of community service, and he must write a letter of apology to the officers involved.

The state has agreed to dismiss a charge of resisting law enforcement, a Class C misdemeanor, and battery, a Class A misdemeanor.

"I apologize to my family, friends, the Notre Dame community, Fighting Irish fans and the South Bend Police Department for my actions this spring. I made a poor decision and I accept full responsibility," Rees said in a statement released by Notre Dame. "I learned a valuable lesson and witnessed first-hand that actions have consequences. This experience will make me a better person and I will focus on being a positive role model and citizen.

"To those who supported me during this difficult time, I offer my sincerest thanks. To the people I disappointed, I am dedicated to winning back your trust and confidence."

The arrests occurred after South Bend police were called to quiet a loud party at a home. When they arrived, police reportedly found open containers of beer and other alcohol beverages in the backyard.

Officers reported that several people began jumping over a fence when they arrived and ordered them to stop, said Capt. Phil Trent, South Bend police spokesman. Rees was the only one of that group who ran from the scene, Trent said. The Irish QB later allegedly kneed an officer in the abdomen.

An August 20 hearing has been set to determine the amount of restitution to be paid

Rees has already been cleared to stay in school by the university of Notre Dame, and head coach Brian Kelly has permitted him to participate in all off-season football related activities.

Rees started twelve games for Notre Dame at quarterback in 2011, and is expected to be part of a four man competition for the starting job when fall practices resumes in early August.

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