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SIU players' felony charges dropped

The felony charges levied against SIU Basketball players Stetson Hairston and Mike Dale were dropped Monday by the prosecution in a partial plea bargain that was struck in response to both players alleged involvement in a fight at Lewis Park Apartments in May.

The charges of criminal trespass and mob action, both felony charges, were dropped Monday by the prosecution, but both pled guilty to battery, a class A misdemeanor.

A class A misdemeanor can be punishable by six to 12 months in jail, and sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 3 at 2 p.m.

Hairston and Dale, before the deal, could have faced a potential seven years in prison on the felony charges alone. Hairston and Dale allegedly had an altercation with John Cooper, a resident of Lewis Park Apartments.

The key for Hairston and Dale, according to their lawyer John Clemons, was removing the felony charges. He said those charges are the type of thing that can follow people around for their entire lives.

"We've made a significant step," Clemons said.

Clemons would not talk about the case because the sentence is still pending, and Assistant State's Attorney Mark Hamrock declined comment as well.

Clemons would not say what brought the case to a plea bargain.

"There were lots of factors that get you to this point, but that's between my clients and myself."

He also would not comment about what type of sentence the defense is seeking, only saying he would call two or three witnesses for the sentencing phase of the trial. The prosecution plans on having three to four witnesses.

No additional suspensions are expected for Hairston and Dale, regardless of how long the sentencing phase takes - which has a chance to drag on for a while.

At the hearing, Judge Kimberly Dahlen talked about how busy she was at the time of the scheduled sentencing. There is a possibility, if Dahlen has juries to take care of, that the sentencing will be pushed back.

In the meantime, Hairston has been his old self, if not better. He is averaging 14.3 points per game and shooting .528 from the field. Dale is averaging 1.7 points in 11.7 minutes per game.