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Prosecutors Go After Football Star Given Deal

Attorney Says Client Needs More Guidance

POSTED: 4:10 pm HST December 14, 2009

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A former high school football star, who got a break from prosecutors on sex assault charges, may not be living up to his part of the plea bargain.

Rico Newman, 21, who was a star at Leilehua High School, was allowed to avoid jail for beating and sexually assaulting his girlfriend, who is now his wife.

Newman was given the deal so he could pursue his football career at a mainland college, but instead he dropped out after only a week and came home, prosecutors said.

"Doing nothing, he has not been working, he has not continued his anger management. My understanding is he is now on disability for what he claims is a learning disability," Deputy Prosecutor Leilani Tam said.

"He is trying. He just needs a little more guidance in the things he has to do," defense attorney Jerry Villanueva said.

Newman's attorney said two colleges are still interested in Newman.

The judge delayed his sentence for a month so the defense could bring in more evidence that Newman is seeking education or employment.

Prosecutors said he should not be allowed to have his record wiped clean.

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