URBANA, Ill. (AP) - Former University of Illinois football player Derrick McPhearson pleaded guilty Friday to stealing a laptop computer from another student's apartment.

McPhearson pleaded guilty to felony theft, and a Champaign County judge sentenced him to 180 days in jail and 30 months of probation. Four counts of residential burglary and another theft charge were dismissed.

Police arrested McPhearson and Illini player Jody Ellis in March 2007. Officers said they found computers and other high-tech gear in the back of Ellis' car.

Ellis pleaded not guilty and is due in court next month.

Both players were kicked off the team not long after their arrests.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.