D.A.: Darren Collison Took "Responsibility" For Actions, Pleads Guilty In Domestic Violenc

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, California —

On May 29, Sacramento Kings point guard Darren Collison appeared excited to post on Twitter, “My wife just started a new blog, check it out Asap! She’ll be posting once a week.”

It was his last post of any kind. On July 11, he was standing in a Placer County Courtroom in Roseville, Calif., to plead not guilty to misdemeanor domestic battery of a spouse.

In the afternoon of Sept. 2, Collison plead guilty to a misdemeanor violation of section 273.5 of the penal code, “domestic battery causing injury, the Placer County District Attorney’s Office said in a written statement.

“Words cannot describe the feelings and regret that I have been experiencing the last few months. My family and I found ourselves in such an unfamiliar situation and it has been a difficult few months,” said in a written statement. “This is far from who I am as a person and not something I am proud of. I take full responsibility for my actions. I have apologized to my beautiful wife that I have known and loved since high school. I appreciate and am thankful for the love and understanding from my family, friends and supporters. Now it is time to put this behind us and move forward.”

Collison, a seven-year veteran of the NBA and former UCLA standout, was arrested May 30, the day after he tweeted about his wife, by the Placer County Sheriff at his home in nearby Granite Bay after a 911 call was placed by the victim.

In a separate incident, Collison was also charged with one count of driving on suspended license regarding his failure to appear on April 21. He was released on a $55,000 bail.

Collison hired high-profile attorney Bill Portanova to handle his case. Since the case, which started out as felony charge but reduced to a misdemeanor, Collison was not required to appear in court. Portanova appeared as his representative in three previous court dates before Collison took the plea bargain to avoid a trial.

Portanova, a seasoned lawyer who has been a defense attorney and prosecutor during his 30-plus year career, did hope for the case to “wrap up quickly” before the start of the NBA season, he told Publicity Agents on Aug. 11.

The Kings training camp opens Sept. 27. The Kings first game is on the road Oct. 26 against the Phoenix Suns and their first game in the brand new Golden 1 Center is the on Oct. 27.

Through all the court proceedings, Collison, reported to be a devout Jehovah’s Witness, was led “spiritually” that the case would result in a reasonable outcome Portanova said. The attorney also said that he was in constant contact with the NBA concerning Collison’s case, but would not elaborate on details.

Collison is sure to miss some games by suspension from the league. The Kings did sign Ty Lawson earlier this week to an one, year, non-guaranteed contract. But unless there are behavioral problems from Lawson, as it has been in the past, he should be on the roster until Collison serves out his soon-to-be-determined penalty.

Collison will be placed on three years of informal probation and must serve 20 days in the Placer County Jail. He may complete his 20 day sentence in the alternative sentencing program if he is approved to do so by the Placer County Probation Department.

Collison must also attend and complete a 52-week batters program and perform 20 hours of community service. Collison, the Placer County D.A.’s Office, stated was also “served with a criminal protective order that allows only peaceful contact with the victim.”

Due to the nature of the case, Publicity Agents will not release the name of the victim for privacy reasons. Collison also has a five-year-old son and married in 2011.

“The disposition of the case is appropriate given the law and the standards of our county,” the Placer County D.A.’s Office said in the written statement to Publicity Agents. “In arriving at the disposition, our office considered the fact that Mr. Collison has no prior criminal record, the injuries suffered by the victim were minor in nature, and most importantly, the victim’s wishes in the case. Also factored into the disposition is the fact that Mr. Collison took early responsibility for his actions.”

Photo Art by T. Ray Harvey

Sacramento Kings point guard Darren Collison, far right.

Dec. 10, 2015

Sacramento, Calif.

PRESS INFORMATION:

The Sacramento Kings released a written statement regarding Darren Collison plea bargain:

"Domestic violence is a serious issue across our nation and one that runs contrary to our organization's values. We're disappointed by Darren's behavior and today he accepted full responsibility for his actions. He is committed to using this incident to help raise awareness through education of this critical issue in the community. We're working with Darren and the NBA on the appropriate next steps."