Markieff Morris accepts diversion agreement

By J-W Staff Reports     Dec 10, 2008

Kansas University freshman basketball player Markieff Morris has accepted a diversion agreement which will require him to perform 20 hours of community service in connection with an Airsoft rifle incident last August at Jayhawker Towers.

Morris — who was originally slated to appear in court on a battery charge Friday for allegedly shooting a BB gun from his apartment window and striking a woman with a pellet — was required to pay a $300 fine, $61 court costs and write a letter of apology to the community.

He accepted diversion on a reduced charge and continues to deny shooting the BB at the woman.

“We’ve talked about this a lot, and I’ve told Markieff and our guys that obviously they have to make better decisions and be much wiser in their judgment,” KU basketball coach Bill Self said Wednesday.

“We need to do a better job as a staff of educating them, not only on campus policies, but housing policies. If we had done that, they would have known these type of Airsoft guns would be not allowed on campus. Markieff has accepted this and will do 20 hours of community service. That will be the end of this.”

Morris issued a statement saying: “I’ve learned a lesson from this, and I apologize for any embarrassment this caused KU and the basketball program. I’m going to do my community service so I can conclude this matter and concentrate on academics and the rest of the basketball season.”

Morris’ attorney, Brad Finkeldei of the firm Stevens and Brand, also commented on the matter:

“We are satisfied the charges were reduced to the infraction of missiles,” said Finkeldei. “Mr. Morris took it (diversion) to conclude the matter and get on with his academics and extracurricular activities.”

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