After serving 153 days of his 300-day jail sentence, including the day his daughter was born, former Cyclone football player Jason Berryman wrote a letter to District Court Judge William Pattinson asking for an early release.

The letter, handwritten by Berryman and dated Dec. 31, stated that he did not want his sentence to be reconsidered because of the pain and loss he has suffered in jail, but because he is “truly, wholeheartedly sorry.”

“Your honor, if you want me to beg, I’ll beg. If you want me to plead, I’ll plead. I’ll do anything to make you understand that I’m aware of my mistake, and I’m fully rehabilitated and I will never break the law again,” he wrote.

Berryman, 19, pleaded guilty to serious misdemeanor assault and felony first-degree theft in October for an incident Aug. 4, 2004.

Berryman stole $4 from Jeffrey Kemble, junior in health and human performance, punched him in the face and then stole a cell phone from Thomas Peters, senior in mechanical engineering.

Berryman’s letter stated that he has learned his lesson and would like to be released early for a chance to prove his rehabilitation.

“Your honor, you have taught me that the world does not revolve around me, that everyone has to follow the law, that just because I can play sports well, that does not make me an exception to the rules,” the letter stated. “You have also taught me that life is to precious to waste it on making dumb choices.”

The letter also stated that Berryman wants to return to Iowa State as a student.

“College courses start January 17 if I’m not mistaking, and I have been informed that Iowa State is willing to except me back as a regular student, not under any circumstances,” Berryman wrote.

Andrew Alt, program assistant for the dean of students, said he could not speak about Berryman’s case or any specific student’s case, citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Alt said the university’s judicial process is separate from both criminal and civil courts, though the same information is often used, such as police reports and witness statements.

“Students are guaranteed the right to due process, so until a hearing there are, in most circumstances, no restrictions on enrollment,” Alt said.

Cases are reviewed, and then a decision is made on whether it is a minor or major case.

Alt said in minor cases, students are never suspended, but can be expected to demonstrate that they can abide by policy for a certain period of time.

In a major case, a student can be suspended one semester to two years, indefinitely suspended or expelled.

Sharon McGuire, program manager for the dean of students office, said a student would go through the academic process for readmittance and then the judicial process.

She said in a major case, the information is reviewed and the All University Judicial board may come into play. They would make a recommendation to the dean of students office after deciding if the person was responsible.

“I am ready to start my life over, and only you have the power to help me. Please reconsider,” Berryman’s letter to the judge stated.