Safety Tray Matthews, defensive lineman Jonathan Taylor, defensive end James DeLoach and wide receiver Uriah LeMay were arraigned in state court Thursday afternoon following charges of theft by deception in March while all were University of Georgia football players.
Judge Ethelyn Simpson presided over the arraignment, during which she informed each athlete that if he completes a pre-trial diversion program, the charges will be dismissed. Matthews, Taylor, DeLoach and LeMay will not be placed on probation, but will be supervised throughout the program. The four football players met with the probation officer following their arraignment.
Although coach Mark Richt has yet to enforce disciplinary action for Taylor and DeLoach, Matthews was dismissed from the team Tuesday evening following a classroom altercation with a professor. LeMay has since transferred from the university to Charlotte.
Matthews spoke to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution immediately after the arraignment, and said he had been notified of the program option before his court date and has nearly completed his community service requirement. The players were accompanied by Bryant Gantt, a program coordinator at UGA who helps advise student-athletes.
Matthews, Taylor, DeLoach and LeMay were all smiles after leaving the courtroom, each accompanied by family members.
