New York Jets defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis was sentenced to 179 days in jail, with 89 days suspended following his plea agreement to assault and battery charges in Virginia, The Associated Press reports.
According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, Ellis entered an "Alford" plea (which does not admit guilt) and will likely serve just 45 days of his sentence beginning June 15.
With Ellis set to being his sentence on June 15 he will be able to participate in the remainder of the team's OTAs and minicamps, which starts May 22 and concludes June 14. The 45-day sentence does jeopardize Ellis' availability for the start of training camp.
Ellis had been charged with malicious wounding, a felony, following his arrest by Hampton University police in April of 2010. Ellis faced 20 years in prison and, as a native of Jamaica, possible deportation for committing a felony as a permanent resident.
A 2011 third-round pick out of Hampton, the 6-foot-4, 346-pound Ellis appeared in five games -- starting two -- as a rookie, totaling seven tackles. Ellis could be subject to league discipline now that the legal process has completed.
