CHICAGO, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Chicago Bears cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. has said he does not believe he deserves a suspension after he pleaded no contest to an April assault.
Manning has maintained he was not one of the men who beat University of California-Los Angeles, student Soroush Sabzi at a Los Angeles Denny's, but he pleaded no contest Tuesday to assault charges in exchange for three years of probation, 100 hours of community service and 52 weeks of anger-management classes, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Thursday.
Manning, who could face a fine or suspension for violating the personal conduct code, said he hopes the NFL will not impose the maximum penalty.
"Hopefully (the league) will be fair," he said. "I don't think I deserve a suspension, a harsh punishment. My story hasn't changed. I said I walked away, and I'm still saying I wasn't (involved)."
Coach Lovie Smith said the Bears will be prepared if Manning is suspended. League officials are expected to make a decision on the matter soon.
