UCLA’s Medlock Receives Probation

UCLA kicker Justin Medlock was sentenced to three years’ probation Monday after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor drunk-driving charge.

Inglewood Superior Court Judge Rodney Forneret also ordered Medlock, 22, to perform five days of work for the California Department of Transportation and undergo a nine-month alcohol education program as a result of a Dec. 10 accident that injured Hannah Jun, a member of UCLA’s women’s golf team.

The next day, Coach Karl Dorrell suspended Medlock, who did not play in the Bruins’ 50-38 victory over Northwestern in the Sun Bowl and sat out UCLA’s spring drills.

After Monday’s sentencing, Dorrell reinstated Medlock.

“Now that the legal proceedings have been finalized, I feel that missing the Sun Bowl and being suspended for four months is sufficient punishment, in addition to what the court is requiring him to do,” Dorrell said in a statement.

“I know that he is very sorry for any pain or embarrassment the accident caused to anyone involved.”

Medlock, who was free on $10,000 bond, will also have his driver’s license restricted for a year, but the two felony charges initially filed against him were dismissed as a result of the plea, according to Milton Grimes, Medlock’s attorney.

“The District Attorney agreed to reduced charges because of Justin’s character and outstanding reputation as a person,” Grimes said. “If anybody is to be given a second chance, he deserves it.”

Forneret also ordered Medlock to pay a $1,220 fine and all medical and property expenses for Jun, who also agreed to the plea bargain.

Jun, who suffered a neck injury in the accident, has since recovered and is practicing with the golf team.

Medlock made 13 of 17 field goals last season and will be in his last year of eligibility.