Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Adolphus Washington pleaded not guilty Monday in a Cincinnati court to a misdemeanor charge of improperly carrying a concealed firearm.
"I believe the charges are factually and legally inappropriate," Washington's attorney, Clyde Bennett, told ESPN. "I don't believe that Mr. Washington committed any crimes. That is why we have filed a motion to dismiss. Our intent and plan is to have the charges against him dismissed."
Washington is scheduled for a pretrial hearing Aug. 1 at Hamilton County (Ohio) court. Bills players report to training camp Thursday in Pittsford, New York, but Washington is not required to attend the hearing, meaning he won't miss practice time.
Washington, 24, was arrested July 9 at a water park in the Cincinnati suburb of Sharonville. According to the police report, Washington "reached for and displayed a gun while sitting inside his vehicle" without first informing police who were clearing out the park.
Washington's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, declined comment Monday.
Bennett told ESPN that he believes the charge against Washington is not appropriate because his client was not stopped by the police and was rather "one of many patrons" in the parking lot. Bennett also said Washington's weapon was "open and obvious" because he was driving a three-wheeled vehicle with an open top.
The Bills released a statement after Washington's arrest, saying they would withhold comment while his legal case was pending.
Buffalo selected Washington, a Cincinnati native, in the third round of the 2016 draft. The Ohio State product started 11 games last season, recording 21 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Washington was suspended by Ohio State for its Fiesta Bowl win in January 2016 after he was cited for solicitation of prostitution in Columbus, Ohio. Washington later pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge and entered a program to have the charge dropped.
