By Brian Hamilton, Chicago Tribune –
Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees pleaded not guilty Thursday to four misdemeanor charges stemming from an early May arrest during which he allegedly kneed a police officer in the chest.
Rees, the starter in 12 of 13 games last year for the Irish, allegedly fled police as they broke up an off-campus party May 3, kneed the officer while trying to escape and then was pepper-sprayed as police subdued him in the street.
The 19-year-old Lake Bluff, Ind., native was charged with one count of battery, two counts of resisting law enforcement and one count of illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. A spokeswoman for the prosecutor’s office said Rees made a brief appearance Thursday to enter the plea, with a status hearing set for July 17.
Irish linebacker Carlo Calabrese, charged Wednesday with misdemeanor intimidation for his role in the same incident, didn’t appear in court Thursday, as expected. His lawyer requested a continuation, and Calabrese’s next court date is June 21.
Prosecutors allege that Calabrese, who played in all 13 games in 2011, “became vocal” when police apprehended Rees and told an officer “My people will get you” when Rees was taken away. He repeated the statement when an officer asked Calabrese if he was threatening him, according to charging documents.
A team spokesman said Irish coach Brian Kelly had no comment on the Thursday court appearances. Kelly initially issued a statement after the arrests saying he was “very concerned” but was withholding judgment.
Both players almost assuredly will enter the university’s internal discipline system as well, which could lead to other sanctions and can run concurrently with the legal process.
