GVSU football player avoids jail

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) - Grand Valley State University football player Jimmy Berezik avoided jail after pleading guilty to assaulting, obstructing and resisting a police officer.

He was sentenced Monday to a 12-month probation and 40 hours of community service.

Berezik was arrested last year after he ran from deputies who were busting an underage drinking party near GVSU's Allendale campus. When he was caught, Berezik hit the deputies.

"I believe in second chances. I believe I was given a second chance today. I'm very grateful for that. I wanna thank my dad, Jim Berezik, for being there for me every step of the way. I want to thank my teammates for believing me, my coaches for believing me. The last five months have been very hard for me," he said after the court hearing.

Berezick was sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Offender Act. If he complies with his probation then his record will be expunged.

GVSU Sports Information Director Tim Nott said Berezik is again practicing with the team.