Browns defensive lineman Shaun Rogers will be placed in a 12-month diversion program Thursday stemming from his April arrest for attempting to board a plane with a loaded handgun, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The program requires Rogers to endure a 10-hour weapons course and perform 40 hours of community service. Upon completion, charges would be dropped.
“Shaun is appreciative of the consideration he received in this case,” said attorney Patrick D’Angelo. “He understands that this is a serious matter, and he wanted to assure everyone that he did not act intentionally in this case.”
At the time of the incident, Rogers told airport security that he’d “forgot” the gun was among his luggage.
The Browns and the NFL decided to wait out the legal process before taking action against Rogers. In May, Browns president Mike Holmgren informed the Plain Dealer that he indeed expects the league to suspend Rogers.
Rogers pleaded not guilty to his concealed weapons charge three months ago, but entry into the diversion program is enough to trigger punishment under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, whether or not he’s convicted. It’s believed Rogers’ suspension will cost him at least a game or two.