The Associated Press

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State running back Nick Turner was placed on three years probation Friday for possession of counterfeit bills.

Turner pleaded guilty to the charges in circuit court. Earlier this week, Turner waived his arraignment and a trial date was set for April 30.

The 19-year-old passed several counterfeit $100 bills Oct. 15 at Remington's Hunt Club, a Starkville nightspot.

He faced up to 15 years in prison.

The freshman cooperated with authorities and provided information that led to a counterfeit ring in his hometown of Atlanta, said Turner's attorney, Charles Yoste.

No other arrests have been made at this point, he said.

Judge Lee Howard ruled that Turner's record will be expunged if he successfully completes his probation, Yoste said.

"He would not have received such leniency if he had not deserved it," Yoste said.

Turner will have to report monthly to the probation office in Oktibbeha County, Yoste said.

Mississippi State coach Jackie Sherrill suspended Turner on Oct. 22, ending his season.

Yoste said he had been told by Mississippi State officials that Turner will be allowed to resume his college career.

Athletic department spokesman Mike Nemeth said no decision has been made on Turner's future with the team.

Sherrill was out of town Friday and could not be reached for comment.

Turner appeared in four games as a reserve last season before being sidelined by an ankle injury. He rushed for 31 yards on eight carries and averaged a team-high 26.8 yards on kickoff returns and 11.5 yards on punt returns.