The Jets Defenseman
Dustin Byfuglien has reached a plea agreement and will not be charged with the impaired-boating charge. I think it's a win for the Byfuglien camp. The Winnipeg Jets said that they're happy to have this incident behind them because now Byfuglien can concentrate on just playing hockey.
Mike McIntyre, Winnipeg Free Press -- Dustin Byfuglien has resolved his criminal trial in much the same way he's becoming known for playing hockey -- leaving a trail of mystery, debate and controversy in his wake.
The talented but sometimes frustrating Winnipeg Jets defenceman walked into a downtown Minneapolis courthouse Monday morning expecting to begin a week-long jury trial. But he skated out of danger less than an hour later, courtesy of a last-minute plea bargain that leaves many questions unanswered, including what prompted authorities to believe he was boating while impaired last summer.
Byfuglien pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour charge of careless boating, which pertains only to the fact he didn't have proper lighting on his boat when stopped by police last summer. He was given a $1,000 fine and 30-day jail sentence, of which 28 days were suspended and two days converted to community service work. In exchange, prosecutors dropped more serious charges of impaired boating and refusing a blood or urine test.
The suspended time would only be revisited if Byfuglien re-offends during that period.
