CINCINNATI -- University of Cincinnati quarterback Zach Collaros was given a second chance on Thursday to go to a diversion program rather than face jail or fines for having used a fake ID last Spring trying to get into a Corryville bar.
Collaros was cited for using a false Tennessee driver's license as an ID on May 15 to get into the Holy Grail bar.
Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Bernie Bouchard gave Collaros a stern warning that jail might be the next step for him if he does not sign up and take an 8-hour program on underage drinking.
Collaros was brought into court, along with his attorney, because he had not contacted the diversion program, after being ordered to do so after an Oct. 5 hearing. His attorney apologized to the judge for Collaros, saying he and his client was sorry for not having made contact with the program and made prior arrangements to take the class.
Judge Bouchard told Collaros, "This is not like missing a math class." He told Collaros to go directly to the diversion program office and sign up immediately.
The judge set an Dec. 9 hearing to make sure that Collaros follows through on his order.
Collaros has been the lead quarterback of the winning University of Cincinnati Bearcats, who have won the last four games that Collaros has replaced the injured starting quarterback Tony Pike. The Bearcats remain the #5 ranked college football team in the country.
If Collaros doesn't take the diversion program, he could be potentially face a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail. The quarterback turned 21 years old in August.
The UC sports program says head coach Brian Kelly was aware of the charges shortly after the offense took place in May. Spokesmen say it was dealt with then by the school, and the situation is now considered closed.
