(Please note: In consideration of UI football players and coaches, there will be no further comment. Thank you).

MOSCOW, Idaho - A sense of closure, although laden with grief, touched the University of Idaho and the Department of Athletics Friday morning with the pleas to second-degree murder by James Wells and Matthew Wells.

The Wells brothers were charged in September 2004 in connection with the homicide of UI cornerback Eric McMillan, who was shot in his Moscow apartment. 

"This gives us an opportunity for closure," UI director of athletics Rob Spear said. "While the pain of last year's tragedy remains, their plea enables us to move forward without having to relive last September through a trial."

Judge John Bradbury set sentencing for Nov. 19. They could serve a maximum of 30 years in prison.

The pleas to the reduced charge of second-degree murder were agreed to by the Wellses in exchange for their testimony that their nephew, Thomas Riggins, did not conspire to murder McMillan. Both Wells brothers will testify as to Riggins' involvement. A hearing on dropping charges against Riggins of being a principal to murder is set for Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Latah County Courthouse.

UI football coach Nick Holt is relieved his team will be spared the ordeal of a trial.

"It's good to bring this aspect to an end," Holt said. "Eric will always be a part of us but there still comes a time to move forward, and now we can take the next step."

President Tim White said with the pleas comes closure to the proceedings but the sorrow remains.

"The heartache of this tragedy will linger for a long time to come," White said. "Yet this is a move toward justice for Eric and provides an avenue for the healing process to truly begin. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Eric's family, friends and teammates."