Jared Sullinger in counseling, girlfriend doesn't want to pursue the case

Both Sullinger and [Deann] Smith -- who, according to court documents, has since moved back to Ohio with her parents -- filed paperwork last week with the Waltham District Court indicating their desire to have the court's ruling on September 3 modified. Sullinger's attorney, Charles W. Rankin, said his client "has begun seeing a counselor" as part of an effort to improve his relationship with Smith. 

Smith's attorney, Melinda L. Thompson, filed an affidavit last week which indicated that "the Commonwealth sought a no contact order and an order to stay away from the apartment the two share in Waltham. Ms. Smith addressed the Court at sidebar (on Sept. 3) and told the Court that she opposed the stay away and no contact order. She stated that she did not want to pursue the case and is not fearful of Mr. Sullinger." The affidavit filed by Thompson later read, "Both Ms. Smith and Mr. Sullinger desire to work on their relationship, even though she will live in Ohio. Ms. Smith desires to be able to have in-person contact with Mr. Sullinger without the presence of a third person. That is an important factor in being able to work on their relationship. Ms. Smith is not in fear of Mr. Sullinger, and wants to be able to spend time with him to work on their relationship during the pendency of the case." 

The motion filed by Rankin later read, "Mr. Sullinger and Ms. Smith hope to improve their relationship. Mr. Sullinger has begun seeing a counselor. Mr. Sullinger does not believe that the stay away or no contact orders are needed or appropriate in this case."

It appears as though Sullinger and the Celtics may be able to avoid what could have been a disastrous situation.  Let's hope the incident was just a one time thing, and that Sullinger can make amends and move on.  He's due back in court for a pre-trial hearing on September 23rd.


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