KNOXVILLE – Tennessee defensive lineman Alexis Johnson has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated assault and false imprisonment.
Johnson’s lawyer, Gregory Isaacs, said “the reason why is because he is not guilty” after Tuesday’s arraignment.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled April 21.
University of Tennessee police said Johnson was “play fighting” with a woman Feb. 14 that escalated until he placed his hands around her throat two to three times.
The woman told police that as she attempted to leave the bedroom, Johnson blocked the door.