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NFL Running Back Cedric Benson to Serve 20 Days in Jail for Misdemeanor Assault Charge

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Cedric Benson, the NFL running back and former University of Texas star, has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge and has been sentenced to 20 days in jail. According to the plea deal, Benson will begin serving his sentence on October 17, during the Cincinnati Bengals' bye week. He will serve approximately a week in jail, given credit for good time.

Key Takeaways:

  • Benson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from an incident at a downtown Austin bar on May 30, 2010.
  • He was sentenced to 20 days in jail, with credit for good time, which will result in a week-long sentence.
  • Benson entered into a deferred prosecution agreement for a separate assault charge related to a fight with his roommate last month, which means the charge will be dismissed if he stays out of trouble for a year.
  • Benson must perform 30 hours of community service and pay restitution of approximately $5,000 to his former roommate.
  • Benson has a history of minor legal problems, including charges of drug and alcohol misdemeanors, criminal trespass, and driving while intoxicated.
  • The incident that led to the misdemeanor assault charge involved Benson getting into a fight at Annie's West, a West Sixth Street bar, and shoving a bar manager.
  • Benson's lawyer suggested that he acted in self-defense during the incident.
  • Benson joined the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008 and has been with the team for several years.

Statistics:

  • 20 days: The sentence imposed on Benson for the misdemeanor assault charge.
  • 1 week: The approximate amount of time Benson will serve in jail, given credit for good time.
  • $5,000: The estimated restitution amount Benson must pay to his former roommate.
  • 30 hours: The community service requirement for Benson.
  • 4 years: Benson's time as a four-year starter at UT.
  • 2004: The year Benson received the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back.
  • 2005: The year the Chicago Bears drafted Benson fourth overall in the NFL draft.
  • 2008: The year Benson joined the Cincinnati Bengals.

Sources:

  • [Source 1: "NFL running back and former University of Texas star Cedric Benson will begin serving his sentence Oct. 17, during the Cincinnati Bengals' bye week." American-Statesman, Oct. 4]
  • [Source 2: "Cedric Benson, the NFL running back and former University of Texas star, has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge..." American-Statesman, Oct. 4]
  • [Source 3: "Benson, who went to high school in Midland, was a four-year starter at UT and received the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back in 2004." American-Statesman, Oct. 4]

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