Tommy Rees giving talks on choices

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SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees can only watch and work as others compete for the job he once had.

Rees met with reporters Saturday for the first time since his May 3 confrontation with police and an arrest on four misdemeanor counts. He ended up pleading guilty to two misdemeanors and coach Brian Kelly suspended him for the Sept. 1 opener against Navy.

Now Rees is allowed to practice with the team, but will have to work his way back up the depth chart after that game in Dublin, Ireland. He was supposed to compete with three other quarterbacks for the starter's job this fall. But now he's offering advice to Everett Golson and Andrew Hendrix, who are waging a battle to be No. 1.

"It's tough not being out there. But I accept the punishment," Rees said.

"I've got to be ready when my number's called," added Rees, who is 12-4 as a starter the last two seasons. "When I get back out there and get in the mix of things I've just got to be sharp and on my game and let the coaches make the decision from there."

Rees and linebacker Carlo Calabrese were arrested following a confrontation with local police after an off-campus party. Rees later pleaded guilty to resisting law enforcement and illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. Two other charges were dropped.

The 20-year-old junior quarterback was sentenced to 50 hours of community service and 11 months of probation. He was given a suspended sentence of 30 days in jail.

Rees has been speaking to elementary school student about the importance of using good judgment.

"I'm trying to relay a message on making good decisions and not putting things in jeopardy, especially people going into high school and faced with different situations there," he said.

Calabrese was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of intimidation and was also suspended by Kelly for the opener. Both players have been allowed to practice.

Kelly praised Calabrese and Rees following Saturday's practice for how they've handled the situation in the early days of camp.

"(Carlo) shows up for work every day, busts his (behind) and gets a lot of reps," Kelly said. "I haven't asked him how he's reacting, but being around the team he's been great, as has been Tommy."

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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