Shortly before 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith was arrested at LAX on Sunday, one of his defensive teammates enter a not guilty plea in a Santa Clara County courtroom.
The San Jose Mercury News reports that cornerback Chris Culliver pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor hit-and-run and felony possession of brass knuckles charges on Friday. His next court date is set for May 14, at which point a judge will decide if there’s enough evidence to warrant a trial.
Culliver was arrested on March 28 after allegedly hitting a cyclist and leaving the scene. Another car followed Culliver and tried to stop him, which led to Culliver allegedly hitting the other car with his vehicle and then brandishing brass knuckles toward the other driver. Police found the knuckles on Culliver when they arrested him a short time later.
Culliver missed the entire 2013 season because of a knee injury. He could face discipline from the league as a result of the arrest.