Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Saturday, December 14, 2024 72° Today's Paper


Iosefa goes to court, expected to play this week

JAMM AQUINO
SPT - Hawaii running back Joey Iosefa (7) rushes the ball during the first half of a college football game between the Washington Huskies and the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors on Saturday

University of Hawaii running back Joey Iosefa pleaded no contest to a charge of operation of a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant in District Court on Monday.

District Court Judge Alvin Nishimura fined Iosefa $300 for the OVUII charge and $212 in court fees and costs. Iosefa’s license was revoked for a year beginning Nov. 12. He also was ordered to undergo an alcohol assessment and attend 14 hours of alcohol-awareness education.

Iosefa may apply to install an ignition interlock device in his car, which would allow him to drive during the next year. The mechanism requires the driver to exhale into the device. The car will start only if the blood-alcohol concentration is lower than programmed. The device may be rented for about $90 per month, according to R. Patrick McPherson, Iosefa’s attorney.

"I met with Joey earlier, we talked about it and went through all the options, and he decided he would take responsibility for this," McPherson said. "He wanted to get this behind him, do what he needs to do to comply with the court’s orders, make sure he graduates on time."

Iosefa is scheduled to earn a bachelor’s degree in December.

"He’s a good kid who made a mistake," McPherson said.

Iosefa entered the season as one of eight co-captains. He was arrested on Oct. 12 on suspicion of drunken driving. A breath analysis estimated his blood-alcohol level at 0.15, nearly twice Hawaii’s legal limit while operating a vehicle. Iosefa was released after posting a $500 bond.

Iosefa was suspended for three UH football games, a punishment that ended following the Warriors’ 35-14 loss to Utah State this past Saturday. He also was stripped of his captaincy.

Iosefa has been cleared to practice with the team this week and participate in Saturday’s road game against Colorado State. The Warriors will depart Thursday afternoon for the fourth road trip of the season.

Comments are closed.