Robinson Looks To Clear Record
Atlanta Falcons safety Eugene Robinson, charged with prostitution solicitation the night before the Super Bowl, was offered a diversion program on Tuesday that, if completed, would clear the All-Pro player's record.
Robinson did not appear before Judge Teretha Lundy Thomas in Miami-Dade County Court for his arraignment. Robinson's attorney, Jeffrey Allen, met briefly with prosecutor Marc Weinstein to strike the deal.
Pre-trial diversion programs are often offered to first-time offenders. Robinson would be ineligible if Thomas discovers he has been convicted or charged with a crime in Florida or another state.
Under the agreement, Robinson has to have an HIV test and complete a course on AIDS. He will be able to complete the program in his home state of Washington where he lives in Woodinville with his wife and two children, court spokesman Mort Lucoff said.
Once Robinson completes the program successfully, charges will be dropped.
If convicted of solicitation, Robinson could have faced a maximum penalty of about 60 days in jail.
Robinson, 35, was arrested Jan. 30 for soliciting an undercover police officer for oral sex. He was among about 25 people arrested in a police sting targeting solicitation on Biscayne Boulevard, a major street in downtown Miami frequented by prostitutes.
The Falcons lost to the Denver Broncos 34-19 the next day in the Super Bowl with Robinson burned on the game's pivotal touchdown.
The athlete, who also played in two Super Bowls with Green Bay and leads the NFL for interceptions among active players with 53, is known as "The Prophet" for his deep religious beliefs.
His arrest came about 12 hours after a Christian athletes group selected him the winner of an award for high moral character. He later returned the award.
Calls to Allen and the State Attorney's Office seeking comment were not immediately returned Tuesday.
© 1999 SportsLine USA, Inc. All rights reserved