UFC star Conor McGregor is due back in Brooklyn criminal court on Thursday to face multiple charges stemming from an incident in April at Barclays Center.
McGregor, who turned 30 this month, was caught on camera throwing a metal dolly into a bus that was transporting a group of UFC fighters and employees. Two UFC fighters reported suffering minor injuries to authorities.
The Dublin native last appeared in court on June 14. Prosecutors informed the court that negotiations for a potential plea bargain were underway.
In a brief statement to reporters, McGregor said, "I regret my actions that led to today. I understand the seriousness of this matter and I am hopeful this will all get worked out."
Here are the main things to know ahead of McGregor's upcoming court appearance, with analysis from ESPN legal expert Ryan Smith.
What is the full list of criminal charges McGregor is facing?
According to the criminal complaint, McGregor is facing two felony charges: criminal mischief in the third degree; criminal mischief in the second degree.
He is also facing 10 misdemeanor charges: menacing in the third degree (three counts); assault in the third degree (two counts); menacing in the second degree (two counts); attempted assault in the third degree; reckless endangerment in the second degree; criminal mischief in the fourth degree.
What discussions are taking place right now between the prosecution and the defense?
Smith: Right now, both sides are discussing a plea deal, or trying to figure out if this case will move forward to a trial. I would have to think the most likely outcome is a plea deal. If there's no plea deal, you have to wonder what the discussions were between the two sides.
I could see Conor McGregor not taking a plea deal that doesn't take the felonies off the table, because then there is a possibility of jail time and revocation of his visa. Anything that keeps him out of jail and his immigration intact, I would think is a deal he will take. The last thing you want to do is roll the dice in a trial.
What would the prosecution be looking to accomplish in a plea bargain?
Smith: It depends how they are looking at it. The district attorney might look to set an example with him, in which case he won't get a great deal. They might look at it as: "You're a high-profile defendant who did something bad in our state. We have to make an example of you."
The flip side is the district attorney may look at is as: "Does it serve the interest of justice for us to charge him on a felony?" This incident would not involve jail time for most people out there. So, if you're not looking to make an example out of him, they may be looking to resolve this case as quickly as possible.
The expectation is a plea deal, but what are the possible outcomes of this court appearance?
Smith: The plea bargain, for example, could reduce the most serious crime from a felony to a misdemeanor. It could reduce the number of charges, or change the charges. McGregor could plead guilty to a lesser charge and receive a reduced sentence. It's critical to remember, the judge has to approve any plea deal before it's official.
If a plea deal doesn't happen, then it will proceed to a grand jury. For felony charges in New York, the prosecution brings the charges to a grand jury and usually has to get an indictment within 45 days to send it to trial. That is something McGregor doesn't want to happen. If you've ever heard the phrase "A prosecutor can indict a ham sandwich" -- that tells you how easy it is to get an indictment. And once you get an indictment, you're on the fast track to a trial.
At any time during a trial, they could still enter a plea deal, but now is the best time for McGregor to get that. And that's why he's saying and doing all the right things right now.
In the event a plea deal is accepted that does not involve a felony, what is the likely sentence?
Smith: You never know what's happening between lawyers, but it would be surprising if a plea deal isn't struck -- and it would be surprising if he did jail time.
In cases like this, you'll see people getting community service, probation, fines, anger management. They are discussing a plea deal right now, I can tell you that. And right now, Conor McGregor has to play by the prosecutor's rules. His team doesn't want to make a sound. Nothing on social media. They don't want it to sound any different than Conor's contrition in court a few weeks ago. The last thing they want is to make it look like they're hinting "Our guy is about to get off," because that makes the prosecution look bad.
What impact might a plea bargain in McGregor's criminal case have on any pending civil lawsuits against him?
Smith: If he pleads guilty, that can be used against him in a civil case as proof of his conduct. His lawyers are probably trying to avoid a guilty plea if possible.
But prosecutors may insist on a guilty plea if they do feel some sense of his wrongdoing. And those tapes of the incident are pretty damning. You want to hold him accountable in some way. A guilty plea may put him in a tough situation with any civil case, but some sort of guilty plea may be his only way of avoiding a much stronger penalty with a much stronger hit to his pocketbook, should his visa get revoked.
With momentum rising for a bout between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, Chael Sonnen believes the fight will happen in 2018.
What does this potentially mean for McGregor's career?
Both the UFC and McGregor's representatives have indicated there would be no announcement regarding his career until the resolution of this case. That said, the UFC would like to promote a lightweight championship fight between McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov before the end of the year.
The most likely dates for that potential matchup would include previously scheduled pay-per-view events on Oct. 6 and Dec. 29 in Las Vegas.