Jan. 17, 2007

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -Notre Dame point guard Kyle McAlarney, suspended indefinitely after his arrest last month on a marijuana possession charge, has entered into a pretrial diversion program.

The agreement would allow McAlarney to have the charge against him dismissed in a year, if he passes random drug tests and stays out of trouble.

McAlarney, 19, was arrested by state police on Dec. 29 after marijuana was discovered in his car during a routine traffic stop a few blocks from campus. The arrest came hours after he scored a career-high 21 points against Rider.

The agreement requires McAlarney to undergo a substance abuse assessment and, if necessary, participate in counseling. It also calls for him to submit to random drug tests and perform community service.

If he fails to comply, the charge against him would be reinstated and he would face up to a year in jail if convicted.

McAlarney, who began spring semester classes on Tuesday, still could face sanctions from the school.

Coach Mike Brey said McAlarney has continued to practice with the Irish and wants to stay at Notre Dame.

"He wants to be here. He wants to come back and make up for an error in judgment," Brey said.