FOUR WEST VIRGINIA FOOTBALL PLAYERS PLEAD TO THERE BAR FIGHT

Four West Virginia University players have pleaded no contest to battery charges stemming from an altercation outside a bar.
Running back Noel Devine, 20; defensive back Eain Smith, 19; cornerback Brantwon Bowser, 20; and running back/receiver Jockee Sanders, 19, were arrested Thursday, the Morgantown Police Department said in a news release.

Each player pleaded no contest to battery, a misdemeanor, in Morgantown Municipal Court, the police department said.

It was not immediately known whether the municipal court assessed any penalties against any of the players. A telephone message left Thursday night with the municipal court was not immediately returned.

Police said the charges stemmed from an altercation outside Club Z in Morgantown on Feb. 16 but did not provide details.


"Discipline with the situation has already been handled within the program," WVU football coach Bill Stewart said through a spokesman. He said he would have no further comment.

Last month, Stewart dismissed three other players charged with felony possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver.

West Virginia begins spring practice Friday.

Devine, a freshman, ran for 108 yards and two touchdowns in West Virginia's 48-28 Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma.