The Ohio University wrestling team lost one member this season because of his involvement with an October car theft.
James Fowler, 125 W. State St., pleaded guilty Feb. 16 to one charge of theft of a motor vehicle. He will have to participate in a two-year diversionary program, which requires him to do community service, take drug tests and pay restitution, Athens County Prosecutor C. David Warren said.
Fowler since has been expelled from OU, head wrestling coach Joel Greenlee said.
J. Malcolm Smith, interim director of University Judiciaries, would not confirm that Fowler was expelled. However, theft is listed under Code A offenses - which are grounds for expulsion - in the Student Code of Conduct.
Fowler was suspended from the wrestling team and was not allowed to participate in the first three matches of the season, Greenlee said. Fowler participated in the last match he fought for the team Dec. 29, and his record for the season was 2-4.
Obviously
I think Jim is a fairly significant loss. He came and wrestled for us last year and won nine of the 10 matches he was in said Greenlee, adding that Fowler was a good leader.
Fowler was arrested in October after he stole a 1991 Ford Taurus outside Souvlaki's Mediterranean Garden, 9 W. State St. Another former OU wrestler, Alex Shiff, allegedly was with Fowler at the time of the incident and was charged with theft, according to Athens Police Department records.
Shiff was also suspended from three matches, and he later quit the team, Greenlee said.
The owner of Souvlaki's Mediterranean Garden reported that he saw two male suspects drive away in a stolen car, according to Athens Police Department records. Police could not detain the suspects the first time they investigated, but the owner called again one hour later after he saw the two walk past his restaurant.
Police then arrested Fowler after a brief struggle according to the police report. Fowler was also fined $250 for disorderly conduct, according to Athens County Municipal Court records.
(Fowler) just made a mistake
Greenlee said.
Warren said Fowler did not receive a light sentence compared to sentences others have received for similar crimes. Probation and making restitution are not unusual sentences for theft, he said.
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