On Thursday, reports surfaced that former Giants linebacker Michael Boley pleaded guilty to felony child abuse in Alabama three days after being released.
Boley has addressed the situation, via a statement issued by his agents.
Here’s the full text of it: “Mr. Boley is dealing with a personal matter that allegedly happened nearly two years ago. Michael has been and always will be a loving and supportive father to all of his children. Due to the circumstances of the situation, he has chosen to enter into an arrangement with the Courts that serves the best interest of his family. During this difficult time, Michael will gain strength from his family and continue to be the loving father that everyone knows him to be. We ask that everyone respect the Boley family’s privacy at this time.”
The statement implies, subtly, that Boley pleaded guilty not because he’s guilty but in order to close the door on a bad situation. And that can be a somewhat dangerous proposition for folks who have pleaded guilty to any crime, since pleading guilty means accepting responsibility. Any statement that undermines the acceptance of responsibility opens the door to an effort to invalidate the plea agreement.
Boley for now remains in a diversion program, and if he successfully completes it the entire situation will disappear.