Updated at 6:11 p.m., Tuesday, December 11, 2007
B.J. Penn gets probation in Waikiki assault of policeman
Advertiser Staff
Mixed-martial arts superstar B.J. "The Prodigy" Penn, 28, was sentenced today to one year probation and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution for hitting a Honolulu police officer during a melee outside of Waikiki bar two years ago.As part of a no-contest plea agreement with prosecutors, Penn must also abstain from alcohol, submit to substance abuse treatment, perform 50 hours of community service and submit to random drug and alcohol tests.
If he abides by the conditions for a year, the offense will be removed from his record.
Penn apologized for his actions and said he is eager to put the incident behind him.
"I want to thank the fans for the support and for sticking by me through thick and thin," said Penn, speaking outside of court today. "It's time to move on with my life and focus on my career. I'm glad it's done."
Circuit Court Judge Karl K. Sakamoto also instituted a no-contact order between Penn and the police officer involved, Richardson Oscar Pouoa.
He said due to the chaotic nature of the brawl and the large number of people involved, details of exactly what happened that evening are sketchy.
He did allow Penn to travel to Newcastle, England, to face California's Joe Stevenson for the lightweight world championship of the Ultimate Fighting Championship Jan. 19.
Correction: B.J. Penn will fight Joe Stevenson for the lightweight world championship title outright. A previous version of this story was incorrect.
