Former Penn State wide receiver Julian Fleming takes his next step in what is an incredibly heartbreaking journey.
Former Penn State Nittany Lion wide receiver Julian Fleming officially reported to prison on Monday to begin his two-year sentence for involuntary manslaughter and DUI.
Fleming was in the driver's seat of an ATV last May with his girlfriend, Alyssa Boyd, on the back when the couple struck a deer going between 30 and 40 miles per hour. Neither was wearing a helmet, and while Fleming survived, Boyd did not, and she passed away.
Fleming was facing 11 charges, four of which were felony counts. He pleaded guilty to the above-mentioned involuntary manslaughter and DUI in exchange for the other 11 charges being cleared from his record.
His sentence is a maximum of 23 months and a minimum of nine months.
Fleming came to Penn State after four years as an Ohio State Buckeye. His one year as a Nittany Lion bore very little fruit, as he appeared in 16 games, registering just 14 catches for 176 yards and one touchdown.
This came after a four-year stint in Columbus, where he was above average but was not able to crack the top of the Buckeyes' roster. He was ranked as the top recruit in the state of Pennsylvania in high school, and he was the No. 1 wide receiver in the entire nation.
He committed to Ohio State as their top recruit but his career just never took shape.
Now, as he faces a long time in jail, he also faces a lifetime of struggle. Both the District Attorney and the Defense Attorney had positive things to say about Fleming's character.
DA Richard Wilson wrote that this was an "extremely unfortunate case" and one that even he wasn't confident that he could prove a connection to the death and the DUI. He said that they were confident that they could prove the DUI, but ultimately, what caused the death was the contact with the deer.
That didn't matter. Fleming accepted accountability for the situation, and the Defense Attorney, David S. Bahuriak Jr., said that he was a "stand-up young man" and that the way he handled the situation "says a lot about his character."
Fleming's football future ended shortly after his time at Penn State. He tried out for the Green Bay Packers but failed his physical and never got his opportunity in the NFL.
Now, he begins his first days behind bars. Yet another step in what has been an incredibly devestating journey so far.
Penn State Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Penn State Nittany Lions. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
