EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State football players SirDarean Adams, T.J. Williams and Jeremy Ware have been charged with unarmed robbery in the parking lot of a store.
They were arraigned Wednesday in District Court in Mason on a
felony robbery charge, according to court records. Williams also
was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery in the April 21
incident.
A pretrial hearing was set for Oct. 30 on the robbery case.
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said in a statement, which
didn't identify the players, that they have maintained their
innocence. He said the team was notified in April about the case
and has monitored the situation.
Dantonio said the players will remain on the roster and retain
the opportunity to play. Adams is a starting linebacker, Williams a
starting cornerback and Ware a reserve.
Ingham County prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said the three
players were charged in an incident that took place in a grocery
store parking lot outside a nearby party.
The case was first brought to prosecutors in April but was sent
back to police for further investigation at least twice before a
decision recently was made to bring charges, Dunnings said.
Unarmed robbery is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, but
if convicted the three likely would face a lower sentence, Dunnings
said. The assault and battery charge is punishable by up to 93 days
behind bars.