Attorney: Thornton gets counseling

Published Aug. 23, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The attorney for North Carolina State running back Shadrach Thornton says his client is receiving counseling that could lead to the dismissal of a misdemeanor charge of assault on a female.

E. Lee Turner Jr. said Thursday the court will monitor Thornton's progress as part of a deferred prosecution following his June arrest after an incident involving his girlfriend. Turner says the charge could be dismissed next August if Thornton complies with court requirements.

Turner says Thornton started the counseling program last month. His next court hearing is Oct. 2.

Thornton, who ran for a team-best 694 yards in 2012, is suspended for the opener against Louisiana Tech under new coach Dave Doeren. Turner says Thornton is ''happy to get it resolved'' so he could focus on school and football.