Titan Freshman Pleads No Contest to Misdemeanor

Cal State Fullerton basketball player Michael Bloodworth pleaded no contest Thursday in North Orange County Municipal Court to one misdemeanor count of unlawful credit card use.

Bloodworth, a 19-year-old freshman who played only six minutes for the Titans last season, was scheduled to go on trial Thursday on two counts of misdemeanor credit card fraud. But as part of a plea arrangement, the charges were reduced and Bloodworth was sentenced to three years’ informal probation, a $250 fine plus restitution fees, and 60 hours of community service.

Bloodworth was arrested with teammate Greg Vernon and Fullerton College student Gene Davis Feb. 27 in connection with the theft of a student’s car and the use of stolen credit cards.

Vernon, who faces four felony counts of auto theft, receiving stolen property, illegal credit card charge and unlawful credit card use and one misdemeanor count of unlawful credit card use, has a preliminary hearing scheduled May 31.

Bloodworth and Vernon were suspended from the basketball program after their arrest. Fullerton Athletic Director Steve DiTolla said he will meet with basketball Coach John Sneed today to determine whether Bloodworth will be reinstated.