BYU's Tonga makes court deal

PROVO — After getting some help Thursday from a judge and prosecutor, BYU football player Manase Tonga could be on the field Saturday when the Cougars open fall practice.

Coach Bronco Mendenhall suspended Tonga after the running back gave a false name to a Provo police officer who pulled him over July 3 for running a stop sign.

Mendenhall said last month that Tonga would sit out BYU's season opener Sept. 1 against Arizona but could return to team practices as soon as he resolved his legal obligations.

That could happen as soon as today after Tonga pleaded guilty Thursday to a reduced charge and the judge agreed to close the case as soon as Tonga paid a fine.

Provo Assistant City Attorney Mitzie Folau reduced the original class A misdemeanor charge of providing false information to a police officer to a class C charge of disorderly conduct.

Folau could not be reached for comment Thursday, but Provo City Prosecutor Steve Schreiner said Tonga's lack of a criminal history likely played a role in the decision.

Tonga also pleaded guilty to failing to stop at the sign.

Fourth District Judge Darold McDade ordered Tonga to pay a $232 fine. The judge suspended a 180-day jail sentence — suspending jail time is not unusual for class C misdemeanors — and did not impose probation.

A third charge, driving without registration, was dropped. The vehicle was registered, but Tonga didn't have the updated sticker on the license plate.

Tonga's attorney said the 23-year-old junior planned to pay the fine by the end of today.

"We made a special request to the court, and the court granted it, that as soon as he pays off the fine, the case is closed," Rhome Zabriskie said. "As of (Friday afternoon), I suspect he'll be eligible to be on the field."

Tonga's troubles started Sept. 6, when a Provo police officer pulled him over for running a stop sign. Tonga didn't pay the ticket, and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

Another officer pulled Tonga over on April 23 for running a stop sign but did not arrest him.

When he was pulled over a third time, on July 3, Tonga knew about the arrest warrant and told the officer his name was Fifa Tonga.