SACRAMENTO -- After multiple delays and continuances, Darren Collison's domestic violence case, stemming from a May 30 incident at his home in Granite Bay, Ca, has finally come to a conclusion in Placer County courtroom. Collison, 29, pleaded guilty Friday morning to one count of misdemeanor domestic violence, CSNCalifornia.com has learned.
According to the plea agreement, Collison received a 20-day jail sentence, which he will serve in an Alternative Sentencing Program, where he will work on community service projects overseen by Placer County. Collison is not expected to serve any actual jail time.
"Words cannot describe the feelings and regret that I have been experiencing the last few months," Collison said in a statement. "My family and I found ourselves in such an unfamiliar situation and it has been a difficult few months. This is far from who I am as a person and not something I am proud of. I take full responsibility for my actions. I have apologized to my beautiful wife that I have known and loved since high schooI. I appreciate and am thankful for the love and understanding from my family, friends and supporters. Now it is time to put this behind us and move forward.
The Kings also released a statement: "Domestic violence is a serious issue across our nation and one that runs contrary to our organization's values. We're disappointed by Darren's behavior and today he accepted full responsibility for his actions. He is committed to using this incident to help raise awareness through education of this critical issue in the community. We're working with Darren and the NBA on the appropriate next steps."
In addition to community service, Collison was also sentenced to three years of informal probation and he is required to attend a 52-week "Batterer Treatment" class, which is mandatory by the state of California in all domestic violence convictions.
Working mostly as a reserve last season, Collison averaged 14 points and 4.3 assists in 30 minutes per game. With the departure of Rajon Rondo, Collison was expected to begin the season as the team's starting point. But with a conviction in place, the NBA is likely to impose a suspension on the former UCLA Bruin that will cost him an undetermined number of games.
With training camp scheduled to start Sept. 27, the Kings inked veteran point guard Ty Lawson to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal earlier this week as an insurance policy for Collison. Lawson will likely hold down the starting job until Collison is cleared by the league to return to the court.
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