49er Bryant pleads not guilty, avoids appearance

By Brent Begin, Bay City News Service

December 28, 2006

SAN MATEO (BCN) - San Francisco 49er wide receiver Antonio Bryant entered a not guilty plea today in connection to his arrest in November for allegedly driving his orange Lamborghini over 120 mph in San Mateo, the district attorney's office reported.

San Mateo Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said this morning that Bryant did not appear in court to enter the plea, but his attorney filed the plea and subsequent waiver in writing.

Bryant was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving and resisting arrest on Nov. 19 after San Mateo police stopped him on U.S. Highway 101.

According to Wagstaffe, Bryant initially evaded Redwood City police in the sports car, which had no front or rear license plate.

Bryant eventually stopped for San Mateo police but he refused to submit to field sobriety or chemical tests. Police took him into custody using a restraining system called a "wrap" device, Wagstaffe said.

Police released Bryant on his own recognizance, but the National Football League handed Bryant a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Bryant is a six-year veteran of the league and 2006 was his first year with the 49ers. He is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on Feb. 13 and a jury trial on March 5.

Copyright © 2006 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

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