Missouri State QB reaches plea deal in animal cruelty case
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Missouri State quarterback Breck Ruddick has pleaded guilty to permitting a dog to run at large, and a charge of animal cruelty will be deferred.
Ruddick was suspended in September after being charged when a friend's dog suffered a broken jaw and missing teeth.
The city of Springfield announced Thursday that Ruddick will have to pay a fine of at least $500, be on supervised probation and attend anger management. The city said it deferred prosecution on the animal cruelty charge while Ruddick performs 150 hours of community service and maintains good behavior.
Ruddick's attorney, Adam Woody, said in a news release that Ruddick hit the dog after it bit him and latched onto his hand. He said Ruddick put the dog outside and it ran away.
