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ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Tennessee Titans rookie Taylor Lewan was sentenced to 12 months of probation for his role in a drunken confrontation with an Ohio State fan a year ago.
Lewan, a former standout at Michigan, pleaded guilty in October to being drunk and disorderly and was in an Ann Arbor courtroom Monday for sentencing. In addition to the probation, Lewan was ordered to pay $950 in fines and costs, plus $30 a month in probation fees and $1,714.68 in restitution to Ryan Munsch, who said the money will help pay his medical costs.
Lewan was accused of hitting the fan outside a bar, hours after Ohio State beat Lewan's Wolverines in 2013.
Lewan was drafted in the first round by Tennessee, and the offensive lineman has started six games for the Titans. He's dealing with a left ankle injury right now.
He told District Judge Elizabeth Pollard Hines he hoped this would be an opportunity to dispel concerns about his character.
"I don't think that's who I am, and I'm going to do my best to prove people wrong," Lewan said in court.
Lewan was ordered to perform 96 hours of volunteer work and complete a substance abuse assessment and an anger management program. During his probation, he is not to use or possess alcohol or illegal drugs, and he cannot have any contact with Munsch.
Lewan was originally charged with aggravated assault and assault and battery against two people, but he instead pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors. During the sentencing hearing, the 29-year-old Munsch said Lewan acted with "malicious intent" and had not shown much contrition.
Munsch, of Columbus, Ohio, said the case had nothing to do with the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry and explained his decision to press charges.
"A failure to act would inevitably endanger his next victim," Munsch told the judge.
Lewan's lawyer, John Shea, suggested that Munsch's recollection of that night may have been impaired by his own blood-alcohol level. Shea said video indicated that Lewan's involvement in the altercation lasted less than 30 seconds.
Hines set a July 17 date to review Lewan's probation.
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