BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Lance Stephenson and Darwin “Buddha” Ellis could have to wait until late June to learn the results of their sexual assault case.
At a hearing this morning in Brooklyn Criminal Court, Judge Alexander Jeong adjourned the case until June 29.
Stephenson’s attorney, Alberto Ebanks, and Ellis’ attorney, Estelle Roond, had no official comment, but indicated they are trying to get the case dismissed.
In a weak attempt at humor, Jeong told Ebanks, “Your client’s pretty tall. He should play basketball.”
It is possible the case could be dismissed or a plea bargain could be entered as early as today, and I will update later if that is the case.
Stephenson and Ellis are charged with groping a 17-year-old female student outside Lincoln High School last Oct. 3. They face up to six months in jail if convicted.
Ebanks has maintained all along that his client is innocent.
Stephenson attended the hearing wearing a white dress shirt and black slacks. Both his parents were in attendance. Ellis wore jeans and an orange shirt.
Arizona and Memphis remain involved with the 6-foot-5 Stephenson, a McDonald’s All-American and the all-time leading scorer in New York State history.
A source at Arizona said Tuesday the program was still interested in having Stephenson take an official visit to campus, but they hadn’t spoken with his camp in several days.
It remains possible that no college decision will come until the court case is resolved.
“I’m going to miss [playing AAU] a lot, but I’m going off to college and trying to find a good team to play with and win just like I’m doing now,” Stephenson told NYCHoops.net on Sunday after he led the New York Panthers to the is8 championship.
USC.trojan / May 19, 2009
Lance-A-Lot…
So, the NYC DA was not READY to go forward.
If the charge is a misdeamor class B…and it is plea bargain to Class C…
This amounts to a ticket and the fine will probably be waived.
(most of the UofA Frat/Sor have some type of tickets…kick them out?)
The pressure is ON…..NYC DA.
PS…there maybe some civil suit if the NYC DA delays even more.
This delay has impacted Lance’s educational decision.
Side Bar….
The judge may ORDER both parties to resolve this issue.
Providing a indirect guidance that HE does NOT want this case to go to trial.
So, what then…boy…..Judge is basically demanding this case to be plea bargained.
This saves the NYC DA some embarrassement
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USC.trojan / May 19, 2009
AZ,
What was the previous plea bargain agreement offered?
What is today’s plea bargain agreement?
DISMISSAL today is not going to happen.
Time to go to Trial…
or put Pressure on a Civil lawsuit….
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USC.trojan / May 19, 2009
AZ,
Good stuff and up to date ON TIME.
So, what is upz? Lance does announce tomorrow….
“A source at Arizona said Tuesday the program was still interested in having Stephenson take an official visit to campus, but they hadn’t spoken with his camp in several days. ”
The case seems to be in good shape.
A dismissal or a reduced charge ,amounting to a ticket ….
So, better late than never…IS LANCE coming next week?
Or will LANCE announce tomorrow?
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Big Ben / May 19, 2009
Shockingly, USC.trojan is back despite being hilariously wrong about this. Spammer.
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JimB / May 20, 2009
As a looooong term supporter of UofA hoops (40 years) … I dont think Stephenson is a good fit. Not even a close fit.
What is important right now is Miller laying the foundations for his program, preparing the players for the start of the season and readying the 2010 class.
Stephenson wont help with any of that and may very well harm most of it.
I wish him well, but I dont wish him here. 🙂
Zag … stop pushing this nonsense please.
Jim
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