Illini DL Brent pleads not guilty to DUI; Zook suspends him from team

Posted February 22, 2009 10:00 pm

Associated Press

URBANA -- An Illini football player has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license.

Defensive tackle Josh Brent's appearance in court Monday came after his Saturday arrest prompted Illinois coach Ron Zook to suspend the 21-year-old from the team indefinitely.

The Champaign County state's attorney's office says police on Saturday also discovered a warrant for Brent's arrest for failing to appear in a Livingston County court on an earlier charge of driving on a suspended license.

Prosecutors say Brent's blood alcohol level Saturday was .114 -- well over the .08 legal limit.

Brent's next court date in Champaign County is April 30. He's also due in a Livingston County courtroom on March 23.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.