Former Nittany Lion defensive tackle Chris Baker accepted a plea deal, eliminating felony charges he was facing in two separate incidents, Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira said Friday.
Baker pleaded guilty to three misdemeanors and accepted two years probation, Madeira said, adding the plea deal encompasses both assault incidents in which Baker was implicated in the past year. Baker will also have to pay about $2,500 in restitution to the victims, Madeira said.
Baker was allegedly involved in an April 1, 2007 fight at the Meridian II apartment complex, 646 E. College Ave., and also in another altercation on Oct. 7 at the HUB-Robeson Center.
Madeira also said the plea deal is contingent on Baker's acceptance of responsibility and his agreement to wrap up both cases at once instead of permitting them to be tried separately. Madeira said he spoke with the victims in both incidents, who told him they feel vindicated by the deal.
Baker pleaded guilty to simple assault and criminal trespass, both misdemeanors, for his alleged role in the Meridian II fight. Police said several other football players were also involved in the apartment invasion and subsequent altercation, according to court documents.
Backer was charged with felony criminal trespass and burglary charges, a misdemeanor simple assault, and summary charges of harassment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, according to court documents.
Baker also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor simple assault for his role in an altercation during the HUB fight in October.
He faced charges of aggravated assault, a first-degree felony; harassment and stalking, a summary offense; and misdemeanor charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct. The victim, an out-of-town fraternity member, was punched and kicked while on the floor, according to court documents.
Baker declined to comment Friday when reached by phone.
Two other former Penn State football players, linebacker Navorro Bowman and defensive tackle Phillip Taylor have also been charged for their alleged roles in the HUB fight.
A third former Nittany Lion, defensive back Knowledge Timmons, was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct and defiant trespass for his behavior after the altercation.
Timmons was accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, a first-time offenders' program, last Thursday. The 12-month program will expunge his criminal record upon successful completion, his attorney, Karen Muir, said last week. Timmons will also be required to complete one day of community service.
Sports Information Director Jeff Nelson said Friday he had not known of the felony charges being dropped against Baker. He added he did not have anything to say about Baker's status on the team.
"I don't know anything at this time," Nelson said.
Last month, Penn State released a statement saying the playing status of five suspended Nittany Lions -- including Baker, Bowman and Timmons -- "remains unchanged and will be reviewed after each of them resolves certain academic and/or legal issues."
However, "the five players that did not participate in spring practice are now permitted to work out with the team in the weight room and training facilities," according to the statement.
-- Collegian staff writer Kevin Zitzman contributed to this report.
