LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A former University of Louisville basketball player has pleaded guilty to assault after being arrested in February.
59-year-old Robbie Valentine was arrested on Feb. 9 and was charged with first-degree felony strangulation. It was amended down to fourth-degree assault, domestic violence resulting in minor injury.
On March 6, Valentine pleaded guilty to the amended charge.
According to Louisville Metro Police (LMPD), Valentine and his girlfriend went out to dinner so she could talk about moving out and getting her own place.
When the couple returned home, they began arguing and Valentine took her phone and dumped her purse out in the sink, his arrest citation said.
The citation goes on to say, Valentine later threw the girlfriend off the bed and began strangling her. Police said she had pain and redness on the sides of her neck and bruising to the back of her neck.
Authorities believe alcohol was involved.
The former Cardinal won't spend any time in jail for this incident as part of the guilty plea, however he is on two years conditional release.
A judge ordered that he is not allowed to have any other violations or contact the victim and witnesses. Valentine must also pay a $145 fine and seek counseling as part of his conditional release.
He will be back in court for a hearing on May 19, 2023 where he must provide proof of treatment.
Valentine was a former guard and forward on the UofL men's basketball team that won the 1986 NCAA National Championship title. The same time had made it to the NCAA Final Four in 1983.
He was inducted into the university's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000.
Valentine was also known for his work around the community, putting on several youth basketball camps each year.
He also works at the KFC Yum! Center, however when asked to comment, a spokesperson said "they cannot comment on personnel matters."
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.