Ex-Cougar Darling Cuts Deal Alford Plea Expected; Jail Time Will Sandwich The Nfl Season

James Darling has reached an agreement with Whitman County prosecutors that will allow the former Washington State football star to report to the Philadelphia Eagles’ training camp on time and serve all but three days of a 35-day jail sentence after the upcoming season, a source familiar with the case said Monday afternoon.

Darling, a second-round selection in April’s NFL draft, had been facing a likely 20-month jail term if convicted of first-degree felony burglary and three misdemeanors - charges that stemmed from his alleged role in a May 6 fraternity-party dispute.

Darling had pleaded not guilty to all charges at a May 16 hearing. A jury trial was scheduled to begin today.

Instead, the agreement calls for the 22-year-old linebacker to spend three days in jail immediately and another 32 days after the NFL season, the source said.

“He was looking at the difference between 20 months and 30 days,” the source said, explaining Darling’s motivation for averting a trial. “One allows him to play and one doesn’t.”

Terms of the agreement call for Darling to make an Alford plea to second-degree felony burglary and only one of the misdemeanors. In an Alford plea, the defendant does not admit guilt, but acknowledges that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict.

In addition, Darling’s probation from a previous criminal case will be “resolved,” the source said.

Monday’s agreement, which is expected to become official when Darling enters the new pleas this morning, allows him to attend the Eagles’ rookie camp beginning July 16 at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Penn.

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