Former Louisville player pleads guilty

Louisville has their players thrown off the team and go to trial, Cincy players continue to play on the team.

Let the Berarcat bashing begin!

Ex-Card Northern pleads guilty, Completing diversion program will keep him from serving two-year prison term
By Eric Crawford, Louisville Courier-Journal
August 7, 2003

Former University of Louisville point guard Bryant Northern pleaded guilty to two felony counts of theft and one felony count of forgery in Jefferson Circuit Court yesterday in an agreement that placed him in Kentucky's felony diversion program for two years.

If Northern meets the terms of the diversion program, including keeping a clean criminal record and graduating from college, his plea will be set aside and the felonies will be wiped from his record.

The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office recommended a two-year prison sentence for Northern's crime of stealing three checks from the Indian Hills home of Kathleen Hinkebein, then conspiring with Larrell Simmons of Louisville to cash the forged checks at several area pawnshops.

If Northern fails to comply with the diversion program, which requires monthly visits with a probation officer, he will be sentenced to the recommended two-year prison term. Other requirements of the diversion program include paying a fine of $3,180 — the amount of the forged checks that Northern and Simmons attempted to cash — and cooperating by testifying against Simmons for his part in the matter.

"The main thing in a situation like this is that you want to stay out of jail, and you want to avoid being a convicted felon,'' said Scott Roby, one of two Louisville attorneys representing Northern. "By getting this diversion agreement, Bryant accomplished both things.''

Speaking publicly for the first time since his July 14 arrest, Northern said, "I want to apologize to the Hinkebein family, my family and friends, to the fans who supported me and to my U of L basketball family. I'm really devastated. I've been embarrassed and my family has been humiliated over the situation. I'm ready to move on with my life and continue my education. Hopefully I can help teach others to learn from my mistake, speak to kids in different communities and move on with my life.''

Northern declined to take questions from reporters and, through his attorneys, declined interview requests from The Courier-Journal.

Circuit court Judge Thomas Wine yesterday asked Northern to explain, in his own words, what he had done, and Northern responded, "I took some checks and gave them to someone to get them cashed.''

What hasn't been explained, and what the judge didn't ask Northern to explain, is why he felt compelled to commit the crimes.

"That's something he's going to have to ask himself the rest of his life,'' said Jim Ellis, who also represented Northern. "I don't know. But he's going to have to wrestle with it. He probably still doesn't have an answer for that. But he's paying for it.''

Northern admitted in court to stealing the checks but said he did not write on them in any way. He also acknowledged that he planned to share the money with Simmons if they had been successful in cashing the checks. Simmons has yet to be arrested.

Prosecutor Brian Butler said Northern's criminal record contained "primarily traffic violations.'' A clean background, along with Northern's cooperation with police in the matter, made him a good candidate for the diversion program. Northern provided Indian Hills police a statement — without an attorney present — outlining his role in the scheme, prompting his arrest.

Larry Wilder, a Jeffersonville, Ind., attorney who advised Northern in the case, said Indiana authorities have agreed to assist in administering Northern's diversion program. One hitch in the agreement is whether Northern will be able to move outside of Kentucky or Indiana — and he may have opportunities, given the number of schools who have expressed an interest in him.

Northern, a point guard who has one year of college eligibility remaining, walked on at U of L out of Jeffersonville High School and earned a scholarship after his sophomore year. He played in all but one game last season, averaging 3.2 points.

"A lot of schools have been waiting to see what happens in court,'' Roby said. `'But I'm sure he'll have a lot of options.''

One of the most interested schools has been the University of Southern Indiana, an NCAA Division II school where he would be allowed to play immediately. Western Kentucky University also could be a possibility, though any Division I school would have to wait one season as Northern sits out under NCAA transfer rules.

Northern was kicked off the team the day after his arrest and isn't likely to return to U of L. He has, however, asked for a meeting with U of L coach Rick Pitino.

"The important thing for Bryant now is that he get back in school and get back in a position to move in a positive direction,'' Wilder said. "He has always been a great young man and still is a great young man. He made a mistake, but he has stood up and accepted responsibility, and now he's ready to move on.''

 

You need a couple of corrections, HP

just passing through and saw how you'd screwed the pooch on this one HP. so how shall i count the ways:

1) the louisville player did not go to trial, he entered into a plea deal;

2) he was charged with multiple counts of felony theft and theft by deception when he was kicked off the team. the last bearcat player charged with a felony was donald little, who was, that's right, kicked off the team;

3) like northern, little entered a plea rather than risk a trial. he is currently serving his sentence.

so, other than your inability to accurately recount bearcat history, how is my old friend HighPoint doin? man, this place is dead. i wish you'd come back and visit us at cusa-talk.

 

Mr. gruehls, thanks for dropping in. I knew someone with law knoweldge would correct me. I apologize for being incorrect, I I'm doing fine myself, some of your cusa-talk fans have been over occasionally to try and get some attention, namely someone named urban and ortem. You're even smart enough to figure that out.

It has slowed a bunch here but we're content. kpigout has found another home and sigepmike lurks in the Rant & Rave forum a good bit. Haven't even looked over your way in several weeks. I might take your offer up come November, no promises though.

Send my regards to Mrs. gruels. Are you planning on a return visit to the southern Queen City if our game is on a Saturday again this season?

 

Howdy Norman! Howdy High Point!

Hope you both are doing well, and thnx for the greetings. Mrs. Gruehls sends a couple of "howdys" your way as well.

Not sure yet if we'll be down there for the game, but we will if we can. You fellas gonna make it up this way for the tourney? I might organize a little get together to help you drown your sorrows after getting crushed by, hopefully, the hometown favorites.