University of Montana football player Jeremy Calhoun pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault on Wednesday and was given a two year-deferred sentence, perform community service, and to pay nearly $10,000 in restitution to the victim of a misdemeanor assault.

According to court records, the altercation occurred on May 5 outside the Stockman’s Bar on West Front Street. The victim told police that he and some friends were standing on the sidewalk outside the bar when several males began harassing the victim's roommate, which turned into a fight. When the victim attempted to break up the fight, Calhoun struck him in the mouth, knocking out his two front teeth.

Police obtained video surveillance from a nearby business and determined that Calhoun appeared to hit a man who was on the ground. The victim grabbed Calhoun around the waist and pulled him off when Calhoun struck him twice in the mouth.

The victim said the two teeth will have to be surgically replaced.

At Calhoun’s justice court appearance, Deputy Missoula County Attorney Mac Bloom told substitute Justice of the Peace Alex Beal that a plea agreement had been worked out between the state and the defendant.

“The state is asking for a six month sentence in the Missoula County Jail all suspended, a $500 fine, suspended, 200 hours of community service,” said Bloom. “I would also like to direct the court’s attention to condition number four in the plea agreement that requires the defendant to pay $9,862.67 in restitution prior to sentencing, which he has done.”

The mothers of both the victim and the defendant addressed the court on behalf of their sons.

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After viewing a video in court of the altercation outside the Stockman’s Bar, Calhoun’s attorney John Smith asked Judge Beal for a deferred imposition of sentence, rather than a suspended sentence, so that the conviction will not be on Calhoun’s permanent record, and to impose 40 hours of community service rather that 200 hours.

After hearing all the testimony, Judge Beal imposed a 24 month deferred sentence and 100 hours of community service, in addition to over $600 in fines and court costs.

According to the University of Montana Student Athlete Handbook, misdemeanor assault is a Type II violation, resulting in a minimum suspension of 10 percent of scheduled contests.

Calhoun has already been suspended for the first three games of the season.

 

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