Hoggard star pleads guilty to possession

Hoggard running back Shawn Sidbury settled a drug case against him Thursday with a plea to lesser charges, starting to resolve his legal troubles while his athletic future remains in question.

Sidbury pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors. A felony charge of possession of MDMA, or Ecstasy, has been deferred pending the completion of a drug education program, two years probation and 48 hours community service.

Sidbury, a junior who also plays basketball for the Vikings, has been "inactive" since he was charged on Jan. 5.

"Athletically right now, he's inactive," athletic director Sheila Boles said. "Right now, that's the only answer I can give." Boles would not say if Hoggard officials would meet to discuss Sidbury's athletic future at the school.

In addition to probation, Sidbury is required to to complete the community service within 60 days, obey household rules, graduate from high school and not be around any known drug areas or associate with known drug users. He will be subject to random drug screens as part of the drug education program.

The agreement is similar to any that would be offered to a first-time offender, said assistant district attorney W. Holt Trotman.

Sidbury and his family declined comment in court Thursday. Appearing before District Court Judge John J. Carroll III, Sidbury was quiet as he stood with his hands in his pockets, a blue suit replacing his blue jerseys.

Carroll said he hopes Sidbury, 16, can stay out of trouble. He told the story of an athlete he represented 20 years ago, one who he said could have been a star in college but got involved with drugs and flunked out of school.

"I don't know if you're going to listen to me or not," Carroll said to Sidbury, who stood to the right of his mother, Shireen. "You have your whole life ahead of you. It's up to you whether you want to make something out of your life or you want to have a felony hanging around you for the rest of your life."

Sidbury led Hoggard to a 15-0 record and its first state football championship, earning MVP honors in the title game. He was named the Star-News player of the year.

Sidbury stepped into the starting lineup for the final 10 games after teammate Rashad Williams faced similar charges. Williams pleaded guilty to lesser charges after facing two felony drug counts.

Carroll said he was disappointed that Sidbury hadn't learned from his teammate's example, but hoped other students would learn from this.

"I hope other kids will see this and think twice, particularly individuals that have so much promise for their future," Carroll said. "He had a bunch of letters from teachers and coaches. He's well thought of. He just has to hang around with some better people.

"Hopefully he'll learn his lesson," he added. "It's entirely up to him now."

Rachel George: 343-2261

rachel.george@starnewsonline.com