EVANS, Ga. (Sept. 9, 2005) -- Miami Dolphins tight end Randy McMichael pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three months probation on a charge related to a July argument during which police say he gave his wife a bloody nose.
McMichael, 26, of Weston, Fla., entered the plea through his attorney to misdemeanor criminal trespass on Sept. 8, the Augusta Chronicle reported on its Web site. He did not attend the hearing.
McMichael originally was charged with three misdemeanor counts -- criminal trespass, public drunkenness and family violence battery -- after police said the former Georgia football player argued with his wife, Cawanna Anise McMichael, 22, in a parking lot in Grovetown, Ga., on July 9.
Superior Court Judge Neal Dickert sentenced McMichael under the First Offender Act to 90 days of probation, a $500 fine and restitution to pay for the damages, according to court records.
Court records show Cawanna McMichael refused to pursue the battery charge and the public drunkenness charge was dropped as part of a negotiated plea agreement with the District Attorney's office.
According to the NFL's Person Conduct Policy, McMichael could be "subject to discipline as determined by the Commissioner. Such discipline may include a fine, suspension without pay and/or banishment from the League."
"This issue will be reviewed under the leagues personal conduct policy," Steve Alic, an NFL spokesman, said. "There is no time frame for the conclusion of the review."
Dolphins coach Nick Saban declined to say whether he'll take disciplinary action.
"I know Randy has learned a lesson from this," Saban said in a statement. "It's important for all our players to understand that they represent this team and this community, and conduct themselves accordingly. Regarding anything we will do in this specific instance, it's a team matter and as such will be handled privately."
Prosecutors decided not to file charges after McMichael was arrested in June 2004 and accused of hitting his wife. McMichael had been charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant woman, a second-degree felony that is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
McMichael, a fourth-round draft pick in 2002, led the Dolphins with 73 receptions, a single season record for tight ends, and was second on the team with 791 yards receiving.
