Chicago Bears rookie lineman Lance Louis pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor assault this morning, stemming from allegations that he beat up a teammate at San Diego State last year.
Louis did not attend his arraignment in San Diego; the plea was entered on his behalf by his lawyer. His next court date is in December.
A college teammate says that Louis struck him, causing a concussion, a broken eardrum and a fractured cheekbone. The case didn't immediately come to light and the San Diego State football program has been accused of trying to cover up what happened.
But the delay in filing charges could end up making things worse for Louis: Because he was charged after he was drafted, he is now subject to the league's personal-conduct policy.
Louis has not yet played in a regular-season game. Bears coach Lovie Smith says the team will wait to see how the legal case plays out before having any reaction.
Bears' Lance Louis pleads not guilty to assault
Posted by Michael David Smith on October 23, 2009 3:23 PM ET
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CRUSHING blow for the Bears when he gets suspended....NOT