Penn State’s Scirrotto given probation
BELLEFONTE, Pa. (AP) – Penn State safety Anthony Scirrotto was sentenced to a year’s probation after pleading guilty Thursday to a reduced charge for his role in an off-campus fight last year. Scirrotto must also serve 25 days of community service and pay a $500 fine after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor count of defiant trespass during a hearing Thursday, defense attorney Ron McGlaughlin said.
A felony charge of criminal trespass and one count of summary harassment against Scirrotto were dismissed as part of the agreement with prosecutors.
As his family watched, Scirrotto read from a statement in which he apologized and acknowledged the embarrassment the incident had brought to his loved ones and the university.
“He accepted full responsibility for his actions for his part in this incident,” McGlaughlin said in a phone interview. “He has always wished to do this from day one.”
Authorities said two people were hurt in the fight last April at an off-campus apartment. It was the start of a string of legal problems and other off-field distractions that surrounded the program during the 2007 campaign.
Defensive tackle Chris Baker is still awaiting trial on criminal charges in connection with the altercation. He was thrown off the team, at least temporarily, last month after being charged in another fight last fall.
Scirrotto, 21, of West Deptford, N.J., will be a senior next season. The two-year starter has 10 career interceptions.
Copyright Associated Press 2008