Chmura Still Emotional Over Acquittal

Feb. 4, 2001 -- Mark Chmura, a former football tight end for the Green Bay Packers, tearfully apologized for disappointing his fans and thanked the people of Wisconsin for their support a day after he was acquitted of sexually assaulting the 17-year-old former babysitter of his two sons.

"Nothing like this will ever happen again," he promised.

Chmura spoke to reporters this afternoon in Pewaukee, Wis., after recovering from a tearful false start that forced him from the microphone into his wife's arms.

Late Saturday evening, Chmura was found not guilty of third-degree sexual assault and child enticement. He had faced a possible penalty of 40 years in prison and $20,000 in fines after being accused of pulling down a teenage girl's pants and having sex with her against her will in a bathroom at a drunken post-prom party.

Considering Football Comeback

Chmura said he did not blame the Packers for cutting him after he was charged, and said he hopes to return to professional football.

"I have not had contact with my agent in the last couple of days, but he did leave a voice mail message last night saying there were a number of teams interested," Chmura said.

Chmura had special thanks for Michael Kleber, a high school football player who was at the party. Kleber testified that Chmura's accuser voluntarily went into the bathroom with Chmura.

"That kid had the courage to tell his father that, 'Dad, that's not how it happened,' and hires a lawyer and comes into court," Chmura said. "He was attacked in school by kids. He's a warrior. That's what he is. Michael Kleber's a warrior."

Reporters asked Chmura what he and his family plan to do now that the trial is over.

"We're going to Disney World," Chmura said, and laughter filled the room.

ABCNEWS Radio contributed to this report.