Gonzo is off the hook.
Former Seton Hall basketball coach Bobby Gonzalez can avoid a criminal record stemming from his arrest on a shoplifting charge if he successfully completes community service and pays restitution over the next year. The decision was made a hearing Thursday in Newark.
“We are very pleased with the resolution of this matter,” said Gonzo’s attorney, Anna Cominsky, according to The Star-Ledger. “Bobby’s acceptance into the PTI Program is an excellent result. This is the type of case that doesn’t warrant a criminal conviction, but rather a dismissal – and that’s exactly what will happen at the end of the PTI term. All charges against Bobby Gonzalez will be dismissed.”
Gonzo was accused of shoplifting a $1,400 satchel from a Polo Ralph Lauren store at The Mall at Short Hills in July. Police said Gonzalez had removed the bag’s security sensor device.
Gonzalez was fired in March after Seton Hall lost in the opening round of the NIT. He sued the school over his dismissal and reached a settlement in August.
Now it remains to be seen whether the volatile coach will land another coaching job elsewhere.
(The AP contributed; Photo courtesy Star-Ledger)
