National Football League

Man pleads guilty to slapping Hester

Published Dec. 1, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

A suburban Chicago man has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery for slapping Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester while at an Illinois casino.

Daniel Rago of Mount Prospect was arrested after police said he slapped Hester in the back of the head on Oct. 14 while the football player was standing in line at Rivers Casino.

Hester didn't retaliate.

Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Kimberly Przekota called the incident ''both insulting and unprovoked.'' Rago's lawyer, Frank Kostouros, called it ''a complete misunderstanding,'' saying Rago thought Hester was cutting in line in front of an elderly couple.

Rago was sentenced Thursday to one year of conditional discharge and 80 hours of community service. He was also ordered to pay $315 in court fees and fines.