Lynch will plead guilty to lesser charge in DUI case

Marshawn Lynch will plead guilty to reckless driving. (USATSI)

A DUI case involving Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch that started in July 2012 will be coming to an end in on Friday. Lynch's attorney, Ivan Golde, told ESPN.com that Lynch has agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving.

Lynch was arrested on July 14, 2012 in Oakland, Calif. and later charged with DUI.

"We are resolving the case Friday by pleading to a wet reckless," Golde said. "We have a strong case for trial and could win the case, but the last thing he needs is to go through a public trial."

Golde doesn't want to put Lynch through a public trial because he doesn't think that would be in the running back's best interests.

"He's a Super Bowl champion, and he has endorsements pending. For a guy in his position, it just doesn't make any sense to go through a public trial," Golde said. "He has a lot at stake here. You know Marshawn. He's not a media guy. It wouldn't have been good for him to go through all that."

Golde knows his client well. Lynch definitely isn't a media guy and he proved that at the Super Bowl when he did three interviews all week. All three interviews lasted less than 10 minutes.

As for how this case will affect Lynch's standing with the NFL, Golde said he doesn't expect his client to be suspended. "I can't speak for the commissioner [Roger Goodell]," Golde said, "but my feeling is Marshawn is OK and will avoid a suspension."

After Lynch pleads guilty to the reckless driving charge, California law will require him to attend six classes on driving safety and alcohol consumption.

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Ravens RB Rice arrested for casino altercation with fiancee



According to espn.com's Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice and his fiancee were both arrested and charged with simple assault following a physical altercation over the weekend in an Atlantic City, N.J. casino. The police report stated that the two, "struck each other with their hands", but that no injuries were reported. Both were released, but ordered to appear in court at a later date.Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome was reluctant to weigh in on the matter just yet, saying, "I don't know the situation. I've only gotten what has been written. I've not had a chance to talk to Ray. I really don't know the situation. Up until I get all the answers, then that's when we make decisions within this organization".Rice is coming off his worst seaon in Baltimore, rushing for only 660 yards and 4 touchdowns.



Well, if you owned Rice in 2013, you probably spent a first round pick on him and cursed him all year long. If you're in a keeper league, this news probably isn't making you feel any more confident in bringing him back next year.As reported by our Brian Murphy Saturday morning, the Ravens would like for Rice to remain a focal part of their running attack, while also keeping Bernard Pierce involved. However, neither of them tore it up last season, with Rice averaging only 3.1 yards per carry amp; Pierce 2.9.Rice has been a favorite RB of mine for several years, after leading me to multiple fantasy titles. However, depending on how this legal matter plays out, it's quite possible that Rice's fantasy value could continue to drop during the off-season. It had already taken a hit based on his performance in 2013, and rarely do off-field, personal issues lead to on-field improvement. We can only hope that RIce uses this as a wake-up call and refocuses his priorities.