Conor McGregor pleads guilty only to disorderly conduct violation

UFC star Conor McGregor pleaded guilty to a single violation of disorderly conduct in Brooklyn criminal court on Thursday, for his involvement in an incident on April 5 at Barclays Center.

McGregor, who turned 30 this month, entered the plea as part of a deal worked out with the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office. The agreement involves no jail time and will not affect McGregor's travel visa. He will not have a criminal record.

Additional conditions of the deal include full restitution to the bus company for any damages suffered, which McGregor has already fulfilled, five days of community service and an anger management program lasting 1-3 days.

"I just want to say I'm thankful to the D.A. and the judge for allowing me to move forward," McGregor said in a brief statement outside the courthouse. "I want to say to my friends, my family, my fans -- thank you for your support."

Orders of protection also were given for MMA fighters Ray Borg, Jason Ledbetter and Michael Chiesa.

Prior to the deal, McGregor, of Dublin, had faced a possible 12 criminal charges related to the incident, including two felony criminal mischief charges. Those charges carried a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.

"This is 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," the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office said in a statement.

In April, McGregor was caught on video throwing a metal dolly into the window of a bus stationed inside the Barclays Center loading dock. The bus was carrying a group of UFC athletes and employees.

Two UFC fighters -- Chiesa, a lightweight, and Borg, a flyweight -- reported suffering minor injuries to authorities and were ultimately pulled from their respective bouts on a scheduled pay-per-view event on April 7.

One of McGregor's teammates from SBG Ireland, professional MMA fighter Cian Cowley, was also arrested in April for his involvement in the attack. Cowley also pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct Thursday.

The resolution of McGregor's criminal case may clear the way for a return to the Octagon later this year.

A potential lightweight title fight between McGregor (21-3) and current champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (26-0) could arguably be the biggest fight in UFC history. Nurmagomedov was on the bus that McGregor attacked, and was the target of the Irish star's actions.

McGregor has not fought in the UFC since November 2016. He made his professional boxing debut in August 2017, suffering a TKO loss to Floyd Mayweather in a highly lucrative crossover event.




ESPN

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