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Browns defensive lineman Shaun Rogers' deal to avoid jail time approved
Post updated at 10:02 a.m. Thursday
From the Associated Press:
CLEVELAND | Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers will enter a diversion program instead of facing a felony charge that he tried to carry a gun through airport security in April.
Under the deal approved Thursday in a Cleveland court, the charge will be dismissed if Rogers completes the program, including volunteer service and 10 hours in a gun class.
Police said Rogers had the semiautomatic handgun in a carry-on bag at Cleveland's Hopkins International Airport.
Attorney Pat D'Angelo says Rogers received no special treatment and has consistently given the same explanation — that he had forgotten he had the weapon in the bag.
D'Angelo says the diversion program could last up to one year and could include helping out at a program aimed at reducing school truancy.
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Previous post from Tuesday
Browns defensive lineman Shaun Rogers will reportedly have an opportunity to be cleared of felony charges for possessing a loaded gun at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on April 1, according to a report published Tuesday by Cleveland.com.
Rogers' arraignment in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court is scheduled to be held Thursday morning, according to court records.
According to the report, Rogers will then enter a 12-month diversion program in which he will be required to complete a 10-hour weapons course and 40 hours of community service.
Once Rogers completes the course, felony charges will be dropped.
E-mails and phone messages from the Beacon Journal to Rogers' attorney, Patrick D'Angelo, and agent, Kennard McGuire, were not immediately returned.
The league office has yet to announce if it plans to suspend Rogers. In an e-mail to the Beacon Journal, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote Tuesday, ‘‘Now that the matter has been resolved in court, it is being reviewed under our policies.’’
Rogers was arrested April 1 after a loaded .45-caliber handgun was found in his carry-on bag. Rogers pleaded not guilty to a concealed weapons charge. He told police he forgot the gun was in his luggage when he attempted to fly to Houston.
Rogers was traveling with fellow Browns defensive lineman Robaire Smith, who was recently charged after a loaded gun was found in his carry-on luggage in November at Bishop International Airport in Flint, Mich., according to the Flint Journal.
