A former Ohio State football player was sentenced Monday for his role in the beating of a fellow student.
Former running back Ira Bell-Guilford received two years’ probation and 45 days of house arrest after pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault.
Guilford also said he will testify against his co-defendant and past teammate Louis Irizarry if he is asked to.
Guilford and Irizarry were arrested after the early morning mugging of Kenneth Whitwell near College Road and West 19th Avenue last May.
Whitwell and a witness gave detailed descriptions of two men who jumped out of a blue Ford Probe, punched Whitwell in the face and threw him to the ground before taking his wallet.
University Police said they found Guilford and Irizarry standing next to a car matching Whitwell’s description a few minutes after responding to the call.
The two were originally charged with robbery, a second-degree felony which carries a maximum sentence of two to eight years in prison.
Irizarry, who played tight end for Ohio State, was on probation for assaulting three OSU students in a residence hall when he was picked up for the beating of Whitwell. He was ordered by Franklin County Judge James E. Green to be held without bond for violating the terms of his probation. At a later hearing, however, Irizarry was released on bonds totalling $27,000.
Irizarry’s trial is set for next week.
Guilford expressed regret for the incident, saying he was “truly sorry for everything that has happened,” according to a report by NBC Channel 4.
Guilford also said he would like to attend Ohio State and play football for the Buckeyes again.
Coach Jim Tressell suspended Guilford and Irizarry indefinitely after the arrests. OSU athletics director Andy Geiger indicated it was not likely that either would play for Ohio State again.
Associate athletics director Steve Snapp could not be reached for comment on the possibility of Guilford’s return.
