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Cota says he'll be exonerated of assault charges

Nov. 9, 1999 12:39 PM
AP

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) North Carolina point guard Ed Cota, accused of brawling Halloween night, said he doesn't need a lawyer to be exonerated from charges he calls "nonsense."

Cota and backup guard Terrence Newby, both seniors, were suspended from the team after being charged with misdemeanor assault. Cota said all he did was grab someone's pant leg in an attempt to break up a fight.

"I don't need a lawyer," Cota said. "This is a whole bunch of nonsense."

Cota and Newby are scheduled to appear in Orange County District Court on Dec. 6. The Tar Heels open the season Nov. 22 against Southern California in the Maui Invitational.

Cota said he expects to be back in uniform by then.

In the meantime, he is keeping up with his teammates and shooting on his own in the Smith Center, despite being suspended from all team activities by coach Bill Guthridge after the arrest.

"They haven't banned me from the gym," Cota said.

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