SMOOT COPS A PLEA

**VikingKen** · 05-26-2006, 11:34 PM

copied from www.profootballtalk.com

Vikings cornerback Fred Smoot avoided a trial set for next week regarding his alleged antics on the Love Boat by pleading guilty to disorderly conduct, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. http://www.startribune.com/510/story/457438.html

Under the deal, Smoot will pay a $1,000 fine and perform 48 hours of community service.

Smoot also received a 30-day jail sentence, which has been stayed for a year. If he behaves for the next 365 days, the sentence disappears and the affair will be expunged from his record.

Based on the sordid allegations regarding Smoot, two strippers, and a sex toy, we wish that the whole thing could also be expunged from our memories.

With Smoot's case resolved, the only remaining defendant is offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, who is accused of performing oral sex on one of the strippers. McKinnie has received a plea offer, but no agreement has been reached.

FRED MUST NOW FACE THE COMMISH

Even though his criminal charges are resolved, Vikings cornerback Fred Smoot is still subject to punishment via the league's personal conduct policy.

As the policy states: "It will be considered conduct detrimental for Covered Persons to engage in (or to aid, abet or conspire to engage in or to incite) violent and/or criminal activity. Examples of such Prohibited Conduct include, without limitation: any crime involving the use or threat of physical violence to a person or persons; the use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime; possession or distribution of a weapon in violation of state or federal law; involvement in "hate crimes" or crimes of domestic violence; theft, larceny or other property crimes; sex offenses; racketeering; money laundering; obstruction of justice; resisting arrest; fraud; and violent or threatening conduct."

Although Smoot pleaded guilty to "disorderly conduct," the disorder arose from the allegation that he publicly engaged in a sexual act; thus, it's likely that the NFL will conclude that Smoot pleaded guilty to a "sex offense."

Smoot's potential discipline includes a fine, a suspension without pay, and/or banishment from the league. Our guess is that he'll be fined, but we wouldn't be shocked if he gets a one-game suspension, given the significant embarrassment that the incident caused to the team and the league.

Under the policy, Smoot has the right to appeal the decision to the Commissioner or his designee.