Delone Carter
/ file photo
SYRACUSE -- Syracuse University running back Delone Carter pleaded guilty Thursday to punching another student, but it was the Onondaga County District Attorney who is really making headlines.
Carter, a senior, was charged with second degree harassment, which is a violation. Police say Carter thought William Hotaling threw a snowball at him one night in February, and in response Carter punched Hotaling. In Syracuse City Court Carter read a statement saying, "I understand that he never threw a snowball at my car and he did not throw one at me or threaten me in anyway."
Carter was sentenced to conditional discharge, which means if he stays out of trouble, the charges will be dropped.
In the news release announcing Carter's guilty plea, Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick blasted bloggers and posters on Syracuse.com who insulted Hotaling. He called the posts a "cesspool of misinformation." He says anonymous people blamed the victim for being an "instigator," "drunk," and a racist for comments Hotaling was accused of making.
Fitzpatrick says videotape of the incident proves Hotaling didn't throw the snowball, and actually wasn't anywhere near the people who did. He says Hotaling never said a word, and there's no evidence he had any alcohol in his system at all.
Fitzpatrick says Hotaling asked him what he could do to restore his reputation. Hotaling told Fitzpatrick he's been labeled a troublemaker by classmates and professors.
Carter was suspended from the football after the incident, but has since returned. He has 419 yards rushing and five touchdowns this season, helping the Orange to a 3-1 start.
Click here to read District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick's complete statement.
