This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Maurice Alexander, a starting outside linebacker last season, plead guilty to misdemeanor assault on Monday morning at the Cache County District Court.

The charge, reduced from aggravated assault, stems from Alexander getting into a altercation with a teammate in February, in which he punched the teammate in the eye, which caused considerable damage and surgery.

Alexander, who played well for Utah State last season, was dismissed by Gary Andersen after the incident. When reached on Monday, Andersen confirmed that Alexander will not play this upcoming season. Andersen, however, left the door open, although very slightly, for a possible return in 2013.

Alexander has a redshirt season, and one year of eligbility remaining.

"I think this is a good resolution to the case," said Shannon R. Demler, who represented Alexander. "We're hoping that we can get Maurice back in school and doing more productive things with his life than sitting in jail."

Alexander was picked up on a bench warrant in his hometown of St. Louis for failure to appear in court to answer the original charge. He will be sentenced on July 30, where the hope is that he will receive credit for time served.

Demler told the Tribune that he expects for Alexander to be ordered to undergo counseling or anger management. Alexander is also expected to be required to pay restitution to the victim by covering his medical bill.

"We think this is a good resolution," Demler said. "Hopefully the young man can learn from this bad experience. There will likely be counseling and a fine, but hopefully there will be no more jail time."

Alexander was released on his own recognizance, Monday. Andersen declined official comment, but told the Tribune that Alexander would have to pay his own way, if he were to return to Utah State.

Last season, Alexander spent signficant time as USU's starting outside linebacker, and eventually became one of Utah State's best pass rushers and better overall defenders.

Tony Jones