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MMA Star Conor McGregor In Plea Negotiations After Melee

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is in plea negotiations to resolve charges stemming from a backstage melee at Barclays Center.

The 29-year-old Irish fighter and co-defendant Cian Cowley appeared in court Thursday morning in Brooklyn.

Assistant District Attorney Janet Gleeson said the case hasn't yet been presented to a grand jury for possible indictment because of the plea negotiations.

Conor McGregor
Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor leaves Brooklyn Supreme court in New York after his hearing on June 14, 2018, stemming from his April attack on a bus at Barclays Center.(Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

The men walked into court in tight blue suits and passed a gallery packed with reporters and other defendants waiting for their hearings. They stood and said little during the appearance.

They are due back in court July 26. A prosecutor said plea negotiations are ongoing.

"I regret my actions that led me here today," McGregor said outside court afterward. "I understand the seriousness of this matter and I'm hopeful to get it resolved soon."

Video showed what appeared to be McGregor hurling a hand truck at a bus filled with fighters after a news conference for the UFC 223 event at Barclays Center in April.

Two fighters hurt by broken glass were unable to compete.

Cowley said on Saturday that he hoped to get the case "out of the way."

Cowley and McGregor have been free on bond. They took a private jet together from Ireland for the hearing.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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