MSU receivers get probation for fracas

The Detroit Free Press said in addition to their probation sentence in 54-B District Court in East Lansing, Mich., wide receivers B.J. Cunningham and Mark Dell were each ordered to complete 150 hours of community service.

The college football players, who are both 20, each pleaded guilty to a count of misdemeanor assault and battery in January. Nine other current and former MSU players also pleaded guilty to assault charges related to the November melee.

The charges stemmed from a November altercation at a fraternity potluck event in which Dell punched a fraternity member and Cunningham kicked a different fraternity member.

The Nov. 22 incident resulted in both players being suspended from the Michigan State football team, forcing them to miss playing in the Spartans' Alamo Bowl match Jan. 2.

The Free Press said Cunningham and Dell were also ordered to complete an alcohol and substance abuse program, avoid alcohol use during their probation period, undergo regular drug and alcohol screenings, and pay nearly $1,000 in fines, court costs and restitution.

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