Monday, December 10, 2001
Bellisari credits family, teammates with helping him
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State quarterback Steve Bellisari said support from his family and teammates played a big role in helping him deal with his arrest on drunken driving charges last month.
“It's been tough, but the fact I've had my family with me has made it that much better,” he said. “It's a tough situation, but you learn from it and move on.”
“Through this whole thing, my teammates have been phenomenal,” he added. “They have given me support and they have stood behind me. ... I'm very grateful for that.”
Bellisari was arrested Nov. 16 and was suspended for the game against Illinois two days later. He was on the sidelines for the Nov. 25 game at Michigan, the last regular-season game of his senior year, but didn't play.
Coach Jim Tressel said he anticipated Bellisari would play in the Outback Bowl against South Carolina in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 1.
“I want Steve to be involved in the football game. As to how much, we'll see,” he said.
Bellisari said he has learned one major lesson.
“Consequences of actions, that's really it,” he said. “You realize you've got to take responsibility for things you do.”
Bellisari, who pleaded no contest, still has a three-day jail term to serve starting Jan. 11 and must take part in a three-day awareness program.
“I think the worst part of it is over,” he said. “I've dealt with what I've had to do, and now it's time to get it over with.”
Bellisari said he will volunteer for any duty he can perform with the team.
“Watching the (Illinois) game on TV was hard, but it didn't really hit home as hard as sitting on the sideline (at Michigan). ... That was tough,” he said.
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Bellisari credits family, teammates with helping him 
