One Player Will Accept A Plea Bargain, Prosecutor Says Plea From Cougar Football Player Could Come Today

At least one of the three Washington State University football players charged with first-degree theft and residential burglary is poised to accept a plea agreement in court today.

Whitman County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Ron Shirley said he has had discussions with one of the attorneys involved in the case that put him “under the belief that his client would be pleading.”

Since the official papers have not been signed and plea not entered, Shirley did not want to disclose if the individual is Kevin Brown, Jason White or Ramin White who will be accepting the plea agreement.

Douglas Robinson, Ramin White’s attorney, said he has not had discussions with Shirley about accepting a plea agreement for his client. Bevan Maxey, Jason White’s attorney, and Denis Tracy, Kevin Brown’s attorney, did not return phone calls.

The original plea agreement offered by Shirley stipulated that the players plead guilty to the charges and be sentenced to 45 days in jail. They could be out in 30 with good time served.

Shirley did not want to discuss if he has amended the original agreement. Robinson said he has not been apprised of any changes. But, he added, there were rumors circulating that Shirley was going to withdraw the plea agreement.

This is sometimes a ploy used by a prosecutor to put pressure on the defense, Robinson said.

The players’ future with the Cougars appears to be less cloudy. In a Tuesday news conference, WSU coach Mike Price reiterated his determination to dismiss the players if they are found guilty.

“They all knew the consequences of their actions,” he said. “What they are giving up, it just makes you sick.”

The trio could be giving up even more if they go to trial and are found guilty. The maximum penalty for first-degree theft and residential burglary is six to 12 months in jail.

According to Pullman police reports, Brown and the Whites, his unrelated WSU teammates, broke into an apartment at Campus Commons North on May 16 and stole $1,900 worth of electronic gear. “It’s a difficult time,” added WSU athletic director Rick Dickson, “and a low point.”

It appears it will get even lower for Brown. More legal troubles have surfaced for the star running back.

Brown, who broke a WSU sophomore rushing record with 1,046 yards, faces a charge of being under 21 and driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol, said Whitman County Deputy Prosecutor Carol LaVerne.

The charge stems from a May 2 stop by campus police, LaVerne said. The maximum penalty is up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Brown, 20, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His Breathalyzer test revealed a .03 blood alcohol level, LaVerne said. The legal limit in the state of Washington is .08. But because Brown is under the age of 21, any reading between .02 and .08 is cause for arrest, LaVerne said.

A pretrial screening date has been set for today.