UPDATED: 2 Plead Guilty in Attack on Wisconsin RB Ball

Posted: Wed 4:25 PM, Dec 19, 2012

Wendell J. Venerable, age 21, Madison Mr. Venerable was arrested for Party To A Crime (PTAC) - Substantial Battery.

UPDATED Wednesday, December 19, 2012 --- 4:24 p.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Two of the three men accused of attacking Wisconsin running back Montee Ball this summer have pleaded guilty to battery charges.

A Wisconsin State Journal report (http://bit.ly/SUEUm8 ) says a judge on Wednesday placed 21-year-old Wendell J. Venerable and 22-year-old Robert A. Wilks in a first-offenders program. If the two comply with the terms of the program they can avoid prison sentences.

Venerable, Wilks and a third man are charged with attacking Ball in August as he walked behind two friends. They allegedly knocked him to the ground and kicked him in the head and chest. Ball was knocked out and left with a concussion.

Ball has said he doesn't remember the attack and doesn't know why they jumped him.

The third suspect is due in court next month.

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Updated: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 -- 7:35 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Two of the three men accused of attacking Wisconsin running back Montee Ball are scheduled for plea and sentencing hearings.

Twenty-one-year-old Wendell J. Venerable and 22-year-old Robert A. Wilks are both due in court Wednesday afternoon.

Each faces a single count of battery. The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.

All three are accused of attacking Ball in August as he walked behind two friends. They allegedly knocked him to the ground and kicked him in the head and chest. Ball was left unconscious and with a concussion.

Ball has said he doesn't remember the attack and doesn't know why they jumped him.

Messages left with their defense attorneys weren't immediately returned.

The third suspect is due in court next month.

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Posted: December 8, 2012 -- 5:21 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- One of three men accused of attacking Wisconsin running back Montee Ball in August has reached a deal with prosecutors.

Twenty-one-year-old Wendell Venerable of Madison is scheduled for a plea hearing Dec. 17. His lawyer, Brian Hough, told the Wisconsin State Journal he could not comment on the agreement, but confirmed Friday that one had been reached.

Venerable is charged with substantial battery for the alleged Aug. 1 attack. Two other men charged in the case -- 22-year-old Robert A. Wilks and 21-year-old Deonte J. Wilson, both of Madison -- are scheduled for jury selection on Dec. 17.

The three are charged with attacking Ball as he walked behind two friends, leaving Ball unconscious and with a concussion. Ball has said he does not remember the attack.

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