Those who chide others for their ethics and sources need to be careful where they throw stones, but this story from TMZ is credible. in addition that: Kinda harmless and hilarious! TMZ has learned the former Notre Dame football star was caught trespassing inside a Top Pot donut shop in Bellevue, Washington at 3 AM Saturday morning. Cops would only confirm that Tate was given a "trespass warning" -- and was not arrested -- but they wouldn't expand on why the 21-year-old was inside the store while it was closed.

What did Tate have to say for himself? Well, the Everett paper caught up with him!

Tate seemed genuinely sorry for the incident, saying "I'm very apologetic for it. This is the wrong type of media I want to bring to this organization, and I apologize to the team, the coaches, and even Top Pot. As of now I think that's the end of it. . . I'm very embarrassed to even have my name a part of this. Before now I've never had any type of trouble in school or anything."

Tate lives in the building, and apparently he and his friend couldn't resist grabbing a doughnut before calling it a night.

"They're irresistible," he said. "It was a foolish mistake that won't happen again, but if you ever want some maple bars, that's the place to go."

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Programming note, by the way: Clearance Clarence returns tomorrow! Whee!