Jurisprudence

Former Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Joe Gilliam, 40, was allowed to plead guilty in Shreveport, La., to a lesser charge of robbery by a judge who told him to rehabilitate himself or go to prison.

Gilliam was charged with armed robbery in the July 19 robbery of a fast-food chicken restaurant with a butter knife. He escaped with less than $100 and was captured by police within minutes.

Judge James Stewart gave Gilliam a seven-year suspended sentence and placed him on five years’ supervised probation. Gilliam also must undergo extensive drug-abuse treatment and complete his college degree in counseling or have the sentence revoked.