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FORT WAYNE — Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees avoided jail time and will perform 50 hours of community service after pleading guilty Monday to two misdemeanor charges.
St. Joseph County prosecutors dropped two other misdemeanor counts against the junior stemming from a May 3 arrest.
Rees, 20, pleaded guilty to resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor, and illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor, a Class C misdemeanor. A second resisting law enforcement count and a battery count, also Class A misdemeanors, were dropped.
Rees received a 30-day suspended jail sentence, was put on 11 months of probation, and has to write a letter of apology to the officers involved in his arrest at a house party.
Rees will have a hearing Aug. 20 to determine restitution.
“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 from the university. “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.”
Rees was arrested when police were called to a “loud party” in a subdivision near campus.
Rees attempted to flee when police arrived. When police caught up with him, 6-foot-2, 215-pound Rees struck an officer in the midsection with his knee, knocking the wind out of the him.
After Rees and the officer fell to the ground, the quarterback was pepper-sprayed as he continued to struggle before being taken into custody.
Notre Dame linebacker Carlo Calabrese was also arrested May 3 after he tried to intervene during Rees’ arrest. The case against Calabrese, who was charged with misdemeanor intimidation, is pending.
Rees could still face penalties from the university or coach Brian Kelly.
He is involved in a four-way battle for the Irish’s starting quarterback position with Andrew Hendrix, Everett Golson and Gunner Kiel. Notre Dame begins preseason camp Aug. 4.
