Former Ohio State and current Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct in a Thursday court hearing stemming from his August domestic violence arrest.
As a result, Hall received a $250 fine, two years of probation and a suspended 30-day jail sentence. He will not have to serve jail time unless he violates his probation.
Hall was arrested the night of Aug. 12 after reportedly engaging in a physical confrontation with his fiancée over the “financial needs” for Hall’s fiancée’s daughter, who is not Hall’s biological daughter.
According to the police report later obtained by the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, the altercation escalated to a point where Hall pointed a gun to his fiancée’s temple, saying “I will f— end it all,” and dragged her along the porch and driveway of their home. Hall’s fiancée later recanted the allegation that Hall held a gun to her head and asked for the charges to be dropped.
Police did seize a pair of guns from the residence the night of the altercation, and they also found scrapes on Hall’s fiancee’s arm.
According to The Athletic, Hall’s fiancée was in attendance during the hearing held in Avon Lake Municipal Court but opted not to speak.
Hall appeared in court alongside his attorney, Kevin Spellacy, who said that his client entered counseling and is making progress, according to his therapist.
“I regret the whole situation,” Hall told Judge Allison Manning during the hearing. “I wish it never happened. (I’m) just taking those steps and receiving counseling and just trying to better myself.”
Hall, a second-round draft selection by the Browns in the 2024 NFL draft after playing three seasons at Ohio State, could now be cleared to play by the NFL after the ruling, but he remains on the commissioner’s exempt list.
The NFL continues to conduct its own investigation of the case, and a league spokesperson told The Athletic on Wednesday that there was no change in Hall’s status.
“We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy,” the spokesperson said.
Hall, who did play two preseason games with Cleveland, has missed the first three games of the Browns’ 2024 NFL season while he awaits a decision from the league. The former Buckeye has been allowed inside the Browns’ facility, however, but he is prohibited from practicing.
