Devin Butler Pleads Guilty to Resisting Arrest: Latest Comments and Reaction

Notre Dame defensive back Devin Butler was arrested in August on felony charges of battery and resisting law enforcement, and he was suspended from the team. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor resisting law enforcement Monday, per Christian Sheckler of the South Bend Tribune. As part of the arrangement, both felonies were dropped.

Sheckler said Butler may avoid jail time because of the plea.

According to Sheckler, Butler’s sentencing was delayed 12 months because he is set to enroll in a pretrial diversion program. If he successfully completes the program, his case will ultimately be dropped.

"He will be reinstated to the football team with the dismissal of the felony charges," Butler's attorney, Jeff Kimmell, told Sheckler. "We're completely confident that's going to happen, based on communications he's had with the school."

The South Bend Tribune reported he was arrested outside a bar near Notre Dame’s campus on Aug. 20 after an altercation with police officer Aaron Knepper. It cited witnesses (one of whom was Butler’s girlfriend) who said the officer was the one who committed misconduct while Butler didn't do anything illegal.

"Protesters in recent weeks have called for Knepper to be fired and for broader measures on police officers' use of violence," the South Bend Tribune wrote.

Despite the protests and claims of misconduct surrounding Knepper, Butler will write an apology letter to the officer as part of his plea agreement.

WNDU noted the cornerback will also pay a fine of $144 "for damages to the officer's clothing and equipment."

WNDU reported Friday that Butler’s arrest would not be investigated by the South Bend Board of Public Safety. Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski issued a statement that said there wasn’t a formal citizen complaint filed in Butler’s case, although the South Bend Police Department is undergoing an internal investigation of the incident.

Butler was going to miss time this season even before his arrest and suspension. He had surgery in June because of a broken left foot.