MMA Star Conor McGregor Pleads Guilty To Disorderly Conduct
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor pleaded guilty Thursday to disorderly conduct in exchange for community service to resolve charges stemming from a backstage melee at a Brooklyn arena.
McGregor will also be evaluated for an anger management program in addition to his five days of community service.
McGregor arrived at Brooklyn criminal court Thursday morning to a crowd of cameras.
The 30-year-old Irish fighter was joined in court by his 25-year-old friend and co-defendant Cian Cowley, who also pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge and got three days of community service and anger management.
He was ordered to pay for damages to the bus, which McGregor already had done. All felony counts were dismissed.
"This is the same outcome that would've occurred if he would've been a non-celebrity," said attorney Bruce Masseo. "The DA's office thought through this very carefully. We appreciate the staff, we appreciate the district attorney's office treating this as it would any other case."
McGregor spoke briefly outside of court.
"I just want to say thank you to the DA and the judge for allowing me to move forward," he said. "I want to say to my friends, to my family, my fans, thank you for the support."
A spokesperson for the Brooklyn district attorney's office called it "a fair resolution that holds the defendant accountable, ensures restitution for the victims and requires the defendant to perform community service where he can reflect on his conduct and give back to society."
"Now that this is past us, we can focus on things that have been on hold for some time," manager Audie Attar said. "Connor has been training, he's in shape."
Video showed what appeared to be McGregor hurling a hand truck at a bus full of 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. McGregor was originally charged with assault, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.
The incident happened after McGregor was stripped of his UFC Lightweight Championship for failing to defend his title.
Video from TMZ Sports showed the bus with UFC fighters and others on board try to drive away. McGregor is seen hurling a metal hand cart at a window.
McGregor has expressed regret, saying after his last court appearance in June that he understood the seriousness of the matter and hoped to resolve it soon.
Last week, he attended the World Cup final as Russian President Vladimir Putin's guest.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
