Albert Haynesworth, who is accused of groping a waitress at the upscale W Hotel in February, did not appear in court Tuesday morning, but his lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
The trial date was set for July 11. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
According to the police report, the waitress had her hands full with glasses when Haynesworth tried to pay the bill. He asked if he could put his credit card in her blouse and, according to the report, she said yes.
But the waitress alleges that Haynesworth took things further by sticking his hand down her shirt and fondling her.
Haynesworth's attorney said his client is innocent and refused a plea deal offered by the prosecution. Attorney A. Scott Bolden told reporters Tuesday morning that Haynesworth is anxious to defend himself and to get back to playing football.
He said Haynesworth was targeted because he is an athlete and that he believes he's being treated unfairly. He said that the incident didn't happen.
When asked to clarify his comments about what exactly didn't happen, Bolden responded: "I have great respect for the media, but I've answered that question five times. It did not happen. That is our position. Now, that answer covers every question you could have about groping, credit card, breast, you name it. OK? And that's our position, and that's the position of our witnesses. That's not me advocating, per se, that's not Albert just saying that. That's independent witnesses who were there."
The Washington Post is reporting new information about a 911 call made that night by Haynesworth's business manager claiming that Haynesworth was being threatened by the waitress because she was unhappy with the tip.
But in statements made to police, Haynesworth did not mention any such argument.
