Former Liberty County High School running back Shadrach Thornton, currently at N.C. State University, was in Wake County court Thursday where the Wolfpack athlete was given a deferred prosecution ruling on assault charges, according to wralsportsfan.com.
The Packs’ leading rusher last season could have assault charges dismissed as long as he continues to stay out of trouble and attends monitored counseling.
The charges stem from an incident in June when witnesses reported they saw Thornton and a woman, identified only as his girlfriend, get into an argument and Thornton reportedly pushed her against a wall.
The incident occurred on campus, and N.C. State’s security team pursued charges.
Thornton’s attorney, E. Lee Turner Jr., told FOX news Thornton started counseling last month. His next court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 2. Turner told WTVD that Thornton and his girlfriend both are upset that they ever put themselves in this position, adding he doesn’t think Thornton will get into any more trouble and will have the charges dropped next year.
Thornton’s girlfriend appeared with him in court Thursday and agreed to the deferred prosecution decision, Turner said.
N.C. State football coach Dave Doeren already had suspended Thornton from the Wolfpacks’ opener against Louisiana Tech next Saturday.
Thornton briefly was suspended from the team after the arrest but since has worked his way back onto the team. He participated in spring practice and was made available to media on Meet the Pack Day last month.
Thornton, a sophomore, led N.C. State with 694 rushing yards last season despite not playing in the first three games.
If Thornton complies with the court order, he will have no criminal record.