Tommy Rees has pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges stemming from his May arrest. The Irish quarterback, who was originally charged with battery charges against a police officer, had the two most serious charges against him dropped, while pleading guilty to underage drinking and resisting arrest.
“I apologize to my family, friends, the Notre Dame community, Fighting Irish fans and the South Bend Police Department for my actions this spring,” Rees said in a statement. “I made a poor decision and I accept full responsibility. 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 legal proceedings ended up being quite kind to Rees, whose plea agreement includes a 30 day suspended sentence, eleven months of administrative probation, 50 hours of community service, and a letter of apology to the officers involved. Early reports of an altercation between Rees and the arresting officer were highly exaggerated, with battery charges moving from felony to misdemeanor, and eventually being dismissed after conflicting reports emerged, including statements from the taxi driver at the scene.
While it has yet to be reported, Rees has already met with Res Life, the university’s disciplinary arm, and a source called the meeting “very productive.” With the legal proceedings cleared, any discipline of the quarterback is now in the hands of head coach Brian Kelly.
How Kelly decides to discipline his junior quarterback remains to be seen. Underage alcohol consumption hasn’t been a serious infraction with the Irish head coach, and while this incident was highly publicized, Rees has steered clear of any other trouble during his time in South Bend. The quarterback has been cleared and working out with his teammates all summer, reportedly leading offensive drills as the team prepares for a four-man quarterbacking battle when camp opens in August.
Linebacker Carlo Calabrese was also arrested during the incident at an off-campus house. He has yet to settle his misdemeanor charge.