Illini football players charged in burglary

URBANA -- A University of Illinois football player has pleaded not guilty to residential burglary and property theft.

Sophomore defensive back Walt Aikens entered his plea Monday in Champaign County court.

The 18-year-old sophomore from Charlotte, N.C., was arrested April 21.

State's Attorney Julia Rietz says Aikens and fellow player Lendell Buckner are suspected of stealing a laptop computer and other electronics from a dorm room.

Court records indicate Chicago native Buckner has been charged with two counts of residential burglary. The 19-year-old redshirt freshman lineman has not entered a plea.

Lawyers for the players did not return telephone calls for comment.

University spokesman Kent Brown says Aikens and Bucker are indefinitely suspended.