Court gives Seahawks’ Bernard two-year continuance

Published 11:04 pm Monday, June 16, 2008

SEATTLE — Four days after participating in the Seattle Seahawks’ final offseason minicamp, defensive tackle Rocky Bernard was in a much different environment Monday morning.

Bernard was in Seattle Municipal Court to answer to domestic violence charges stemming from an April incident involving an ex-girlfriend who is also the mother of his child.

Dressed in a brown suit while flanked by lawyer Jon Fox, Bernard was given a two-year, stipulated order of continuance that could exempt him from punishment if he keeps his nose clean. The charges from the April incident will be dropped in June 2010 if Bernard meets several criteria over a 24-month period.

It is still unclear whether the continuance will lead to any kind of an NFL suspension during the upcoming season.

Bernard, 29, showed little emotion during Monday’s hearing. The 308-pounder sat in front of a judge in a small courtroom that included one young man who was wearing a Seahawks jersey. The session took less than 15 minutes, then Bernard quietly left the courtroom without speaking to reporters.

Fox said that his client is accepting accountability for his actions.

“This represents him taking responsibility for what happened and taking steps to make sure it never happens again,” Fox said outside the courtroom Monday morning. “… He really wants to put this behind him at this time.”

Among the stipulations, all of which incur a 24-month period, are a no-contact order with the victim, a treatment program for domestic violence offenders and an order that does not allow Bernard to carry weapons.

Bernard, who paid $400 in court costs but no other fine, is also subject to an evaluation for possible drug and alcohol treatment.

If Bernard meets the stipulations, and is not charged with another crime, the charges will be dropped on June 16, 2010. If he violates any one of the stipulations, or is arrested and charged with another crime during the 24-month period, Bernard would face sentencing for domestic violence.

The case stems from an April incident in downtown Seattle. According to the police report, Bernard got into an argument with the 21-year-old victim, whose name is being withheld. The disagreement became physical when, according to the victim’s statement, Bernard struck her on the forehead with a closed fist.

Bernard was arrested and spent a night in jail but pleaded not guilty upon his arraignment.

Bernard participated in the Seahawks’ recent minicamp and is expected to play during the regular season. However, he could be subject to suspension if the NFL decides that he has violated the league’s personal conduct policy.

The NFL does not comment on impending cases, but it’s possible that Bernard might not be subject to suspension until after the 24-month continuance has elapsed.

Bernard is in his seventh year with the Seahawks. He has started 29 games over the past two seasons and is slated to be in the starting lineup again in 2008.

Bernard had offseason toe surgery that limited him in minicamps, but by the middle of last week he was working with the No. 1 defense.

Bernard’s teammate, middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, is due in a Kirkland courtroom this morning to answer to a charge of driving under the influence. The three-time Pro Bowler was pulled over last month after pulling into the drive-through of a fast-food restaurant in Kirkland.

Tatupu issued a public apology shortly after that event but was not allowed to speak to the media at the Seahawks’ most recent minicamp.

Like Bernard, Tatupu could be subject to an NFL suspension if he’s found guilty.