EAST LANSING, MI — Thousands of fans packed into Time Warner Cable Arena Wednesday to watch the Charlotte Hornets' first home game of the 2014-15 season. Many people didn't realize that more than 600 miles away the teams' small forward Jeffrey Taylor was standing in a Michigan courtroom.
Taylor, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of domestic assault and battery, and one count of destruction of property under $200 as part of a plea deal. Both are misdemeanor charges.
Taylor admitted he assaulted his girlfriend and caused damage to a Marriot Hotel in East Lasing, Michigan, the night of his arrest in September 2014.
The Charlotte Hornets suspended Taylor indefinitely.
Taylor's arrest came in the midst of a national debate over domestic violence among professional football players. It was then that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league would take a closer look at its domestic violence policy. NBA policy is for violent crimes and includes a 10-game minimum suspension for a first time offense of a player convicted for a violent felony.
Taylor is facing up to 93 days in jail.
A judge does have the option to place Taylor in a probation program. If Taylor successfully completes the program court officials told Channel 9 it's possible the charges will be dropped.
Taylor is set to be sentenced at 8:30 a.m. Thursday.
Channel 9 reached out to the NBA who said they are aware of the plea deal and will continue to investigate.
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