<img style= running back James Wilder, Jr. pled no contest to a reduced misdemeanor charge from a Feb. 22 arrest, and will be allowed to return to the Seminoles for the rest of spring practice.
Wilder was originally charged with resisting an officer without violence, and a felony charge of battery of a law enforcement officer. The incident occurred outside his girlfriend's apartment, where authorities were attempting to her for failure to appear in court.
The sophomore running back was given six months probation and will have to complete a nine-day work camp program, per his plea deal. He was also fined $225 and wrote a letter to the officer involved that was presented in court on Wednesday. Because the charges were reduced to a single misdemeanor, Wilder is no longer suspended from team activities and will rejoin the team this afternoon.
"He was very remorseful," Wilder's attorney, Tim Jansen, told the Orlando Sentinel.
"The family's very happy with this outcome. Not to mention, his school needs him. His team needs him."
[Read More: Florida State Spring Practice Primer]
Wilder's legal situation has not helped Florida State's running back situation this spring. With both sophomore Devonta Freeman (back) and senior Chris Thompson (broken hand) also missing, early enrollee Mario Pender has been sharing running back snaps with fullbacks Lonnie Pryor and Debrale Smiley.
Improving the rushing attack is a key for Florida State to maximize their potential in 2012. While the defense was dominant last season, the Seminoles' ranked 104th in the nation with just over 112 yards per game rushing. Without a steady ground game, opponents were able to focus on rushing the passer and total an ACC-worst 40 sacks in 2011.
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Wilder was originally charged with resisting an officer without violence, and a felony charge of battery of a law enforcement officer. The incident occurred outside his girlfriend's apartment, where authorities were attempting to her for failure to appear in court.
The sophomore running back was given six months probation and will have to complete a nine-day work camp program, per his plea deal. He was also fined $225 and wrote a letter to the officer involved that was presented in court on Wednesday. Because the charges were reduced to a single misdemeanor, Wilder is no longer suspended from team activities and will rejoin the team this afternoon.
"He was very remorseful," Wilder's attorney, Tim Jansen, told the Orlando Sentinel.
"The family's very happy with this outcome. Not to mention, his school needs him. His team needs him."
[Read More: Florida State Spring Practice Primer]
Wilder's legal situation has not helped Florida State's running back situation this spring. With both sophomore Devonta Freeman (back) and senior Chris Thompson (broken hand) also missing, early enrollee Mario Pender has been sharing running back snaps with fullbacks Lonnie Pryor and Debrale Smiley.
Improving the rushing attack is a key for Florida State to maximize their potential in 2012. While the defense was dominant last season, the Seminoles' ranked 104th in the nation with just over 112 yards per game rushing. Without a steady ground game, opponents were able to focus on rushing the passer and total an ACC-worst 40 sacks in 2011.
Keep up with the latest college football news from around the country. From the opening kick of the year all the way through the offseason, CBSSports.com has you covered with thisdaily newsletter. View apreview.
Get CBSSports.com College Football updates on Facebook
