NFL: Albert Haynesworth Pleads No Contest, Gets Community Service

Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

New England Patriots defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth pleaded no contest to simple assault on the eve of his trial for misdemeanor sexual abuse, according to ABC television in Washington.

The deal requires him to perform 160 hours of community service, stay out of trouble and stay away from the victim.

Haynesworth was accused of sliding his credit card into a waitress’ bra and touching her breast at the W Hotel in Washington, where he was having drinks with friends in February. Haynesworth was a member of the Washington Redskins at the time.

Haynesworth faced a maximum penalty of six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.

In recent days, both the prosecution and Haynesworth’s lawyer, A. Scott Bolden, have accused the other of offering money in an attempt to influence the case.

Prosecutors wrote in a court document filed Thursday that on “numerous occasions” after the allegations, Haynesworth’s lawyer approached the waitress’ attorney and offered her money to help convince the government to drop her case against the defensive lineman.

Haynesworth’s attorney denies the money offer.

“Just not true,” Bolden told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Thursday.

Prosecutors wrote that though it would not be in the woman’s power to have the lawsuit dismissed, “this has not stopped the defense from attempting to achieve that end.”

Earlier this week, Haynesworth’s lawyer filed court documents saying that a hotel security guard who witnessed the alleged sexual abuse was offered money in exchange for testimony against Haynesworth. Ramon Davis said in an affidavit he was offered $50,000 by a man who approached him at work and that he believed the money was being offered on behalf of the waitress.

Prosecutors, however, wrote that Davis’ allegations about the payment should be excluded from the case because they are speculative. Prosecutors said Davis acknowledged the man approached him without the victim, never mentioned her name and never asked him to testify in any particular way.

According to court documents stating the government’s case, Haynesworth was attending a birthday party the night of Feb. 12-13 and was ready to pay the bill of more than $800 when his waitress was called over with her hands full of dishes.

Insisting he wanted to pay immediately and before she could drop off the dishes, Haynesworth tapped the woman on her arm and shoulder with his card, according to the court papers. The waitress “looked up and down at herself, as if wondering where (Haynesworth) expected her to put (the card),” when he slid the card down the center of her bra and began touching her breast, the documents allege. He said something to the effect of “Can I do that?”, the documents state.

Haynesworth, who was traded from the Redskins to the Patriots late last month, has not practiced since Aug. 3. Coach Bill Belichick has said repeatedly that Haynesworth is “day to day.”

–ESPN