Pitt basketball player Ithiel Horton resolves criminal case with disorderly conduct plea, rejoins team

A University of Pittsburgh basketball player accused of punching a city police officer last year pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of disorderly conduct and one count of public intoxication.

More serious charges against Ithiel Horton, including aggravated assault and resisting arrest, were withdrawn by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office. Several hours after the agreement was reached, Pitt officials reinstated Horton to the team.

As part of a plea agreement, Horton will serve 80 hours of community service, undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and take anger management classes.

Defense attorney Phil DiLucente said it was a good resolution.

“Let’s be clear, this was a misunderstanding. It took a long time to get here,” he said.

Horton, a scholarship player, has been suspended while charges were pending against him.

“We know one thing, that Ithiel Horton did not receive any special treatment whatsoever,” DiLucente said.

Horton, 21, was charged Nov. 6 following an incident on Pittsburgh’s South Side. Police said Horton became angry when his truck was about to be towed. An officer who responded to the call said Horton struck him in the face, cutting his lip.

The case was scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 30, but when the prosecution sought a second postponement because the officer was late, Magisterial District Judge Randy Martini threw the charges out.

Horton, who was expected to be a starting guard this season, was reinstated to the team that afternoon and played in Pitt’s next game, a 75-72 loss at Louisville on Jan. 5. He scored 13 points in 28 minutes, his only appearance of the season.

Charges were refiled by the officer, and Horton turned himself in on the refiled case on Jan. 8.

At the time, Pitt coach Jeff Capel said he supported Horton but that he could not return to the team until the case was resolved.

Horton appeared in all 22 games, with 18 starts, last season and was Pitt’s leading returning scorer after averaging 8.9 points a game.

A redshirt junior who transferred from Delaware in 2019, Horton appeared to be relieved as he left municipal court Wednesday morning.

“I’m just happy to get back, get back to playing, get back with my team and hopefully help us win a couple more games,” he said.

DiLucente said Horton will spend his community service hours at the Light of Life Rescue Mission.