A University of North Texas football player pleaded no contest Friday to two counts of misdemeanor assault with bodily injury for his role a fight outside a Denton bar in January that left two students injured.
Michael Stojkovic, 20, a sophomore linebacker from Katy, was sentenced to 15 months of deferred adjudication probation and must pay fines totaling $600. He must also pay $970 restitution for injuries to one student and $150 to another student. Stojkovic's attorney James Horton didn't return phone calls seeking comment.Stojkovic is listed as a sophomore linebacker on the UNT roster.In May, UNT officials said Stojkovic had left the team but by July, school officials said he was on the roster but would be a redshirt this season, meaning he would practice but not play in games while dealing with off-field issues. Last year, Stojkovic had 48 tackles, fifth-most on the team.UNT spokesman Buddy Price said privacy laws prevent the university from acknowledging any possible disciplinary action against a student.His co-defendant in the case, former UNT quarterback Patrick "Chase" Baine, 23, is scheduled to go to trial Nov. 5 on the same charge, said Denton County First Assistant District Attorney Jamie Beck.Baine, a former walk-on from Hickory Creek, started at quarterback for UNT for two games in 2010 but is no longer enrolled.The assault occurred at 2:24 a.m. Jan. 30 outside the Fry Street Public House bar at 125 Ave. A in Denton.One of the victims, Nick Garza, said he and his friend, Matt Torbak, were leaving the bar when they were almost hit by a car."My friend called them a name," Garza said. "All of the guys got out of the car. I tried to stop it and they pretty much went ahead and beat us. I got the worst of it. Then they left and came back and beat us up again."Garza suffered injuries from the fight but declined to say any more.Torbak didn't return messages seeking comment.As of part of the plea bargain, Stojkovic must have no contact with Garza and Torbak, undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, consent to anger management counseling and provide 80 hours of community service.Bill Hanna, 817-390-7698Twitter: @fwhannaHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
