According to an Associated Press report, Jets backup nose tackle Kenrick Ellis has received a 179-day jail sentence for misdemeanor assault and battery and will likely serve 45 days in jail following a suspended sentence.
On April 10th of 2010, Ellis was involved in a fight in Hampton, Virginia where he was living and studying at the time. Ellis, a citizen of Jamaica, could have been deported had he been convicted of a felony. His attorney said with the misdemeanor sentence, the possibility of being deported was no longer a reality.
Ellis is not expected to miss OTA’s or training camp, but could face additional disciplinary action from the league. He is expected to report to jail on June 15th. Ellis also faces a $3 million civil suit from the victim, Dennis Eley.
A defensive standout at Hampton University, Ellis was taken by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft. The Jets were aware of Ellis’ legal situation when they drafted him.