A University of Pittsburgh basketball player pleaded guilty Friday to two misdemeanor counts of domestic violence and was ordered to serve one year of probation.
Dior Johnson, 18, a freshman, has been prohibited from being on campus or participating in basketball activities since he was charged, according to defense attorney Robert Del Greco Jr.
Del Greco said he hopes that his client will be able to return to the campus community now that he has pleaded guilty to the reduced, misdemeanor counts.
“I’m hoping there’s some allowance for redemption and restoration for him,” Del Greco said.
In a statement, Pitt athletics officials said “Pitt continues to follow university and athletic department protocols regarding Dior Johnson’s suspension. All parties continue to work through the process and will not comment until additional steps have been completed.”
Pittsburgh police said a woman with whom Johnson had a relationship reported that Johnson slapped her in the face, punched her multiple times and pushed her head into a pillow on Sept. 5.
Del Greco told Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Jill Rangos on Friday that Johnson and the woman had “a long and checkered history.”
Johnson, who is from Los Angeles, told police he met the woman in Dallas when he was 15.
The victim, who is from Texas, had come to Pittsburgh to visit Johnson in September. She was not present for the hearing.
Johnson pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges of strangulation and simple assault. He apologized to the victim and said he regretted his actions.
The strangulation count was originally charged as a felony. Prosecutors reduced the charge to a misdemeanor as part of the plea agreement.
Deputy District Attorney Mike Sullivan had asked Rangos to order Johnson to serve two years of probation.
“He did hurt the victim in multiple ways,” Sullivan said. “I think the seriousness of the event warrants two years’ probation.”
Instead, Johnson, who has no prior criminal history, was ordered to serve one year of probation and complete a batterer’s intervention program. He also is not permitted to have any contact with the victim or possess any firearms — he told the court he has none. He also must follow any recommended mental health treatment.
Johnson has already had nine sessions with a clinical counselor at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.
Rangos cautioned Johnson to take his probation seriously.
“I do not wish to impede your education,” she said. “Everyone makes mistakes in life, young people even more. We expect you’ll learn from those mistakes. You have a lot to lose.”
She also told him that no one should ever touch someone in anger.
“Certainly for an 18-year-old male athlete to lay hands on a woman cannot happen,” Rangos said.
Rangos suggested that Johnson keep a low profile.
“I would suggest to you that you be very circumspect — not just with your own social media, but with others who may think they’re helping you,” she said. “The best way to protect yourself at this moment is to do, quietly, good deeds (and) pro-social activities you’re not seeking publicity for.”
Johnson, who was a four-star prospect and the prize recruit in Pitt’s 2022 class, has missed 11 games, Del Greco said.
He was competing to be a starter and in the rotation at guard.
