SYCAMORE – The man accused of stabbing former Northern Illinois University linebacker Devon Butler has pleaded guilty to aggravated battery with use of a deadly weapon and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Freddie Sparks-Ward, 25, of the 700 block of North Annie Glidden Road in DeKalb, was charged with armed violence, aggravated battery, battery and criminal trespass to real property stemming from an altercation with Butler at a July, off-campus party.

The other charges were dropped as part of the guilty plea.