Mitchell makes deal with D.A.

Tennessee linebacker Marvin Mitchell reached a deal with prosecutors Thursday to have his disorderly conduct charge dismissed if he stays out of trouble and pays court costs within 30 days.

Mitchell, who is projected to be the Volunteers? starting middle linebacker this fall, was suspended indefinitely from the team after he was arrested and charged May 1 with disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor.

Knox County General Sessions Court Judge Chuck Cerny approved Mitchell?s deal with prosecutors. If he is not charged with another crime and pays the court costs within a month, the charge will be dropped. He is eligible to have the charge expunged from his record.,

Mitchell appeared before the judge without an attorney and answered his questions with ?Yes, sir? and ?No, sir.?

Mitchell refused to comment to reporters after the hearing.

Mitchell, a fifth-year senior, was the first Tennessee player to be arrested or cited since a spate of brushes with the law that preceded the team?s dismal 5-6 season. The Vols had eight players arrested or cited between January 2005 and last summer.

Coach Phillip Fulmer said Mitchell also would be punished internally and have some requirements to meet before rejoining the team.

Police were called to a convenience store near campus at about 3:30 a.m. on May 1 to disperse a crowd. Police said Mitchell ?threatened to knock out another customer? and was told to leave. He left but returned and had to be escorted out, according to a police report.

Mitchell, who smelled of alcohol, became ?agitated, began to swear at (an officer) and would not leave the property,? according to an affidavit. He was arrested and released on a $500 bond.