New Mexico State Player, Herb Pope, Waives Hearing On DUI Charge

CORAOPOLIS, Pa. (AP) – New Mexico State basketball player Herb Pope has waived his right to a preliminary hearing on drunken driving and other charges filed by Pennsylvania police who say they found him passed out in a running car.

The decision to waive Tuesday’s hearing means the 18-year-old will be scheduled for trial in the Dec. 28 incident in Moon Township, a Pittsburgh suburb.

His academic eligibility had been questioned before a judge signed an order barring the NCAA from declaring Pope ineligible. He has yet to play for the Aggies, however.

Defense attorney Arnie Klein of Pittsburgh says he doesn’t know whether the drunken driving case will affect the 6-foot-8 forward’s playing status.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)