NIU's Bass gets probation for band assault

Northern Illinois linebacker Jamaal Bass withdrew his original not guilty plea and pleaded no contest Monday in Lucas County (Ohio) court to the lesser included offense of a first-degree misdemeanor assault charge, stemming from a Nov. 1, pregame incident involving Bass hitting members of the University of Toledo band. The plea was accepted and Bass was found guilty.

Bass received one year of probation with 120 hours of community service and will submit to random urinalysis. He also was ordered to pay restitution of $889.45 to Carolyn Hiner, a band member who reportedly was injured as a result of the incident. The court ordered Bass to speak to young people about what is required from a football player.

“I think it was a fine resolution,” said Bass’ lawyer, Jerome Phillips. “It was appropriate under the circumstances.”

Bass originally faced both felony and misdemeanor assault charges after hitting members of the Toledo band when NIU ran on the field before the Huskies’ 63-60 win over the Rockets on Nov. 1 at the Glass Bowl in Toledo. Two band members received concussions.

In video of the game, which was televised nationally on ESPN2, Bass is seen jumping into a member of the band shoulder first when the Huskies ran onto the field while the band was leaving. The band member then collided with another band member while falling to the ground.

The Miramar, Fla., native was suspended for games against Bowling Green, Ball State and Eastern Michigan after the incident. He returned for the Huskies’ victories in the Mid-American Conference championship game Dec. 2 and the GoDaddy.com Bowl on Jan. 8.

Bass’ suspension originally was for one game. When NIU learned two of the band members received concussions in the incident, it was extended to three games.

NIU spokeswoman Donna Turner told the Daily Chronicle on Monday that Bass will not face further discipline.

Bass, a sophomore, had 62 tackles in 2011 and 5.5 tackles for loss. He participated in spring practice and is expected to compete for a starting job as an outside linebacker in the fall.”