Josh Jackson Reportedly Seeking Diversion, Pleaded Not Guilty to Property Damage

Kansas star and potential NBA lottery pick Josh Jackson pleaded not guilty on Wednesday in his misdemeanor property damage case and is seeking a diversion, according to Jesse Newell of the Kansas City Star and Conrad Swanson of the Lawrence Journal-World:

The charge carries a potential six-month jail sentence, per Laura Bauer and Mara Rose Williams of the Kansas City Star, though if Jackson is found guilty and a diversion program is granted, he potentially could avoid jail time.  

Jackson stands accused of kicking both the driver’s door and rear taillight on McKenzie Calvert's car during a dispute on Dec. 9. Calvert, a player on the Kansas women's basketball team, admitted she threw a drink on Jackson's teammate, Lagerald Vick, before leaving the bar at the Yacht Club. Jackson then allegedly followed Calvert to her car and damaged the vehicle. 

"I was trying to help a teammate and unfortunately the matter escalated," Jackson said in a statement after the incident, per Bauer and Williams. "There were many other people involved and I have already offered to pay for any damage that I directly caused. I am anxious to resolve this and focus on school and basketball."

Jackson also has a court date Friday at the Lawrence Municipal Court for a February traffic violation, per Newell.  

The Kansas forward is widely expected to be a top-three pick in this year's NBA draft if he declares, and Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman ranked him as the No. 2 prospect on his latest big board.