Finally, we can move past wondering what will ever become of Northern Illinois linebacker Jamaal Bass, alleged band nerd tackler.
Four months after pleading not guilty to felonious and misdemeanor assault for a weird pregame incident on Nov. 1 involving what may or may not have amounted to deliberately running into a member of the Toledo marching band, Bass has decided to plead no contest to a first degree misdemeanor assault charge.
Bass received one year of probation with 120 hours of community service, will submit to random urinalysis -- he admitted to marijuana use in a previous hearing -- and pay $889.45 in restitution to the band member on the receiving end of the hit.
“I think it was a fine resolution,” said Bass’ lawyer. “It was appropriate under the circumstances.”
Video of the incident, in which Bass is seen jumping shoulder-first into the band member, was found on YouTube, although the intent of it all has been sketchy.
The result of the run-in, literally, was a three-game suspension. Bass did not face any more internal discipline and participated in spring practices with the team.