The Associated Press for ABC News and others, has reported that Fitzgerald Toussaint, a running back with Michigan State, pleaded guilty on August 28 to operating a vehicle while visibly impaired.
Toussaint had faced a more serious charge, of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, before entering his plea. The lesser charge will allow a sentence up to 93 days of jail time. His sentencing is scheduled for October 23, just before a game that pits Michigan State against Nebraska.
Neither Toussaint, nor his attorney Douglas Lewis, would speak to reporters as they exited the courtroom. Lewis allegedly told the media to "take a hike."
At press time Coach Brady Hoke hadn't dealt with the issue of when Toussaint would be allowed to play again. The player had been suspended since his arrest and was reinstated for a portion of the preseason practices.
Hoke said, "Whenever you're in this position, you've got to make decisions that are best for the program. That doesn't mean for one specific team. That means for the program. That means for the identity and the character of the program that you represent. Are they easy decisions? No. Are they decisions you want to make because you love the kids? No. But you have to make them."
In regards to an upcoming game, Nico Johnson, the Crimson Tide linebacker said, "We're prepared for (Toussaint) to play, we're prepared for him not to play. We've got a game plan and that's what we're going to stick to."
Toussaint, 22, told the court that he had consumed an unknown amount of brandy at home on July 21 before he went out in his car and was pulled over by police for running a red light. Officers reported that Toussaint's blood alcohol level was 0.12 percent, which put him over the state limit of 0.08 percent.
Along with Lewis, Toussaint arrived for his court appearance with Greg Harden, the associate athletic director at Michigan State. During the five-minute hearing, attended by the press, Toussaint remained impassive to flashing cameras and television crews. After Toussaint left the courtroom his attorney finalized his plea deal.
Hoke told the press that Toussaint's court appearance would have no bearing on his status with his team. He also mentioned another player, defensive end Frank Clark, who allegedly stole a laptop computer from a dormitory. Both players, according to Hoke, will face consequences that may include missing a game as part of their team-issued punishment.
Hoke said, "I'm comfortable with what I want to do, very comfortable with that. Talking to all of you guys about it, no, that's not comfortable, because it's talking about two kids who are sons to us and made bad decisions."
Contact a DUI attorney before entering your plea for charges that stem from DUI, DWI, OUI or OWI. Only a DUI attorney will be expert in handling your DUI case and can help you avoid heavy fines, the loss of your driving privileges and jail time.