As reported by the Yakima Herald, a WA Huskies tight end has pleaded guilty to DUI during what was scheduled to be his pre-trail hearing in Seattle Municipal Court on July 15.
The charge stems from his arrest following a DUI-fueled car crash this past March.
The college football player received a 364-day prison sentence with 363 days suspended. According to court records he is to serve the single night in jail on July 31. There has been speculation as to whether he will attend his team's fall camp that begins on August 5.
There is further speculation as to whether the defendant will rejoin his teammates for activities. He was suspended from the team after his arrest. The team's head coach has not made a statement as to whether the player will receive any punishment for his criminal charges and conviction.
The school has also chosen not to release a statement as to the status of the young athlete's future with the Huskies, according to a Washington athletic department spokesman.
The Huskies are scheduled to play their first game of the season, hosting Boise State, on August 31.
The defendant released this statement through his attorney, "I want everyone to know how sorry I am for the disappointment and embarrassment I have caused. I especially want to apologize to my teammates, my coaches and particularly my family. I also want to apologize to the entire University of Washington family for not living up to my expectations. I hope that everyone can learn from my mistake so that they do not commit the same lapse in judgment that I committed this part March."
His playing record includes catching 69 passes for 850 yards; making both single-season records for Washington tight ends. He also made seven touchdowns. The Associated Press named him a third-team all-American and he is one of three finalists for the Mackey Award that is given out to the top tight end in the country.
The DUI arrest occurred on March 9. According to the police report, Seferian-Jenkins' vehicle was located in the bottom of a catch basin in a park near the university. He allegedly resisted medical aid but was eventually laid on a backboard and taken to Harborview Medical Center.
While being treated at the hospital, officers obtained a search warrant to draw his blood – as the defendant had refused to take the test willingly. He was found to have a blood alcohol level of 0.18 percent – which is more than twice the state's legal limit to drive.
In court, he apologized for his actions. William Kirk, his attorney, claimed that his client had not gotten behind the wheel of a car since his March arrest. When Kirk told Judge Fred Bonner that the young man now walked to most of his destinations the judge said, "That might be good for you."
Before sentencing the football player, the judge asked him to do one more thing: "Talk to your teammates about what you have gone through."
Whether you intend to plead guilty or not guilty, contact a DUI attorney to discuss your case first. Your DUI attorney will offer you the best advice on what to expect in court and what your sentencing may entail.