Posted at 6:48 a.m., Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Colleges: Ex-Florida A&M coach sentenced to probation
Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Former Florida A&M basketball coach Mike Gillespie pleaded no contest today to charges of stalking a former girlfriend and was sentenced to a year of probation.The court also ordered Gillespie, who is married, to permanently stay away from the victim in the case. He will receive counseling twice monthly during the terms of the plea agreement in addition to paying court costs.
Leon County Judge Judith Hawkins told Gillespie any violation of the sanctions could result in jail time.
Attorney Tim Jansen said Gillespie began the counseling the day after his arrest in May.
Police had said they warned Gillespie in 2005 and again the night before he was arrested to stay away from the woman. He was arrested after driving by her workplace the morning after the latest warning.
Gillespie was fired last month after six seasons at Florida A&M. Last spring, he guided the team to its first 20-win season since 1988-89 and its second NCAA tournament berth in his tenure.
Gillespie did not comment on his attorney's advice because he plans legal action against the school.
Florida A&M officials expects to have a replacement by Sept. 15.
