Eric Rivers

A former University of Kansas football player pleaded guilty on Friday to stealing money to pay for fast food. Another man, currently on KU’s football team, is awaiting trial regarding the incident.

Eric Deon Rivers, 21, and Kendall Nyear Duckworth, 19, were arrested the morning of Feb. 19.

The two men were accused of stealing $40 from another man outside Jayhawker Towers, 1603 W. 15th St., that morning, according to an arrest affidavit filed in Douglas County District Court. The two men reportedly said during the incident that they wanted to get food from Jimmy John’s.

Both men were originally arrested on suspicion of robbery, though misdemeanor theft charges were eventually filed in June.

On Friday, Rivers pleaded guilty to the crime. He was ordered to serve 10 days in jail and pay restitution.

Rivers was dismissed from KU’s football team after his arrest, while Duckworth was suspended, said head football coach David Beaty.

Rivers has since moved to Texas, according to court documents.

Duckworth is currently listed on KU’s official football team roster. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, when a date will be set for his criminal trial.

I report on crime and courts for the Journal-World. I can be reached by email at cswanson@ljworld.com, by phone at (785) 832-7284 or on Twitter @Conrad_Swanson.