Penn State football tight end Theo Johnson appeared in Centre County court Wednesday where he waived his preliminary hearing.
Johnson was charged in late April following an investigation into an alleged assault at a fraternity party earlier this year.
According to the affidavit, police were called to a residence along East Prospect Ave., on Feb. 11th, for a report of a fight.
Police say the male victim claimed that he was “punched” in the face by Johnson after he allegedly refused to leave a party that the residents were hosting.
Police say the victim was treated at Mount Nittany Medical Center for a reported concussion.
Investigators noted that they later reviewed surveillance video from the home that reportedly showed Johnson and the victim arguing, prior to the victim being struck in the face.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Johnson’s assault charge was downgraded to a misdemeanor to reflect what the DA described as a “mutual fight.”
The DA’s office also stated that Johnson will be offered ARD, a pre-trial program for first time offenders that can include the possibility of having criminal charges dismissed.
Johnson is entering his junior season at Penn State and appeared in 11 games in 2022.