UI Basketball Star Will Serve Probation

There's new information today about Illini basketball star Rich McBride and the drinking problem he's been battling. It all stems from a drunk driving arrest last September. In court today, a judge sentenced him to two years of probation, a thousand dollar fine, and 250 hours of community service.
  Lawyers told the Judge today, McBride met with University leaders and Coach Weber before his arrest  to talk about his drinking. There was concern it was out of control. In fact a court report described it as severe.
  McBride testified in court today, calling his DUI a big mistake, and he's grateful there was no accident and no one was hurt.
   This was his first offense, but Judge Klaus commented there's a culture of drinking on campus and he fears nothing's being done about it. Champaign County's State's Attorney says McBride's sentencing is a warning, " we're not going to tolerate alcohol abuse, you are basically driving a deadly weapon down the street, if you drive intoxicated particulary like Rich McBride was."
  McBride's blood alcohol level was more than double the legal limit. He has also lost license for at least a year and a half.  The state pushed for a harsher probation and the Judge agreed; doing so, the conviction will go on his record.
    Since his arrest, McBride says he has not had a drink. He says he feels better than he did at the time of the traffic stop. He plans to finish out his internship at the Boys and Girls Club this summer before pursuing a career overseas in basketball. If he does want to play overseas, he will have to work it out with his probation officer.