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UT’s Johnson, Williams plead not guilty to charges in rape case

Former University of Tennessee football player A.J. Johnson, right, and current player Michael Williams wait to be arraigned on two counts of aggravated rape Monday, Mar. 9, 2015, in Knoxville.
Former University of Tennessee football player A.J. Johnson, right, and current player Michael Williams wait to be arraigned on two counts of aggravated rape Monday, Mar. 9, 2015, in Knoxville. Former University of Tennessee football player A.J. Johnson, right, and current player Michael Williams wait to be arraigned on two counts of aggravated rape Monday, Mar. 9, 2015, in Knoxville.

By Associated Press 2 min read

photo A.J. Johnson

KNOXVILLE — Former Tennessee linebacker A.J. Johnson and suspended Tennessee defensive back Michael Williams have pleaded not guilty to aggravated rape charges.

Johnson and Williams were arraigned Monday after being indicted last month by a grand jury. Trial was set for Aug. 24.

Johnson and Williams were suspended from Tennessee’s football team in November, one day before Knoxville police named both as subjects of a rape investigation. Johnson has since graduated and completed his eligibility.

Lawyers for both players have said their clients are innocent of the charges.

“What I’ve said before, I’ll say again,” said David Eldridge, the lawyer representing Williams. “He’s innocent of the charges and we will defend them in court.”