Pre-Football Opener Korie Lucious Update Interlude

by KJ@theonlycolors on Sep 3, 2010 3:38 PM CDT in Michigan State Spartans Basketball

Korie Lucious pled guilty to the misdemeanor charge of reckless driving earlier today, reduced from the original charge of operating while intoxicated. I am, of course, not an attorney (and I don't even play one on TV), but I'd think the facts that (1) this is a first-time offense, (2) Lucious was barely over the legal limit, and (3) he's only 9 weeks from being 21 were factors in the court's leniency.

Tom Izzo released this statement:

"I am disappointed in Korie, and Korie’s disappointed in himself. We look forward to moving past this."

While the incident certainly reflects distnictly poor judgment on Lucious' part, particularly coming so closely on the heels of Chris Allen's dismissal from the program, Izzo's statement also recognizes the less-than-criminally-sinister nature of the event.

I had the over/under for games missed to start the season at 5 (which would include the trip to Maui--could there be a sterner punishment for a college athlete, short of dismissal, than missing out on a trip to Hawaii?). After today, missing the first 2 games (which would still include a home game vs. a major conference opponent, albeit a less-than-intimidating one, in South Carolina) seems like a potentially reasonable outcome. I wouldn't be surprised if Izzo waits to announce the length of the suspension--and I do think a suspension is definitely warranted--for at least a few weeks to help motivate Lucious to stay on the straight and narrow. Expect to see some Mike Kebler action early in the season.

Nothing more to see here, for now. Back to the football talk.

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Izzo's comment almost sounds like he won't be suspended, to me.

by rcpratt on Sep 3, 2010 3:46 PM CDT reply actions

Hard to say

But that’s not an outrageous interpretation. Very peculiar statement.

by intrpdtrvlr on Sep 3, 2010 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Can't imagine he doesn't get suspended...

But reckless driving is just so much better a charge then a DUI, so i can see it not being a huge punishment. If this was just reckless driving in the first place… would he miss anything?

2 regular season games would make most sense.

Not sure on how this normally works, but would preseason games be included in the suspension?

by kasperb on Sep 3, 2010 4:14 PM CDT reply actions

Thank the prosecutors

If he reached a plea agreement for the lesser charge, that would be up to the prosecutor to offer it to him. The court’s role is simply to ensure that he understands what he’s pleading guilty to, that it’s voluntary, and that what he admits to doing actually matches the charge. This would be a very fortunate break for Korie, since he will avoid any alcohol-related offense and the fines/probation/random testing that come with it.

by Ducking Delvon on Sep 3, 2010 9:34 PM CDT reply actions

Suspension

Not to be an old curmudgeon, but I think from a perception standpoint, Izzo HAS to suspend him, and I agree that the earlier sentiment of no Maui is an appropriate amount of time. And Lucious should be punished, even though he pled to reckless driving, and criminally had his punishment reduced, driving after drinking is still playing with a loaded gun, and Izzo needs to let him know such behavior can’t be tolerated.

Now let’s get ready for some FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by MSUDersh on Sep 4, 2010 9:30 AM CDT reply actions