Justin Bannon, an 11-year NFL player and former Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity on Thursday after appearing in court as a result of an October 2019 shooting.
Bannan, 41, was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder, assault, and burglary this past October after he shot a woman in Boulder, Colorado, according to TMZ.
The woman, who was wounded in the shoulder, survived the shooting and is now suing the former NFL defensive lineman for civil damages. Bannan and the victim worked in the same building but were distantly acquainted, according to FOX 31 Denver.
Shortly after being arrested, Bannan told police he suffers from hydrocephalus, a condition that can cause the loss of reasoning skills, according to FOX 31 Denver. Bannan expressed that he didn't intend to fire at the woman and meant no harm. Additionally, he said he turned off his cell phone because he thought the Russian Mafia was tracking him.
Bannan will undergo a mental health evaluation at a Colorado hospital, according to multiple reports.
An 11-year NFL veteran, Bannan was originally a fifth-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in the 2002 NFL Draft. After four years with Buffalo, Bannon signed a four-year contract with the Ravens. In 2008, Bannon puts together the best statistical season of his career for Baltimore, finishing with a career-high 45 tackles.
In addition to spending time with Buffalo and Baltimore, Bannan also had stints with the Rams, Broncos and Lions. He has been out of the NFL since 2013.
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Justin Bannan, 11-year NFL vet and ex-Ravens DL, pleads not guilty by insanity to attempted murder originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
