National Football League
Meriweather: I wasn't part of alleged rape
National Football League

Meriweather: I wasn't part of alleged rape

Published Sep. 14, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

Chicago Bears safety Brandon Meriweather said Wednesday he had no involvement in an alleged rape that occurred over the summer at his Massachusetts home.

"It's a serious matter, and I hope it gets resolved soon," Meriweather told the Chicago Sun-Times. "But it has nothing to do with me. For me personally, I'm just going to sit here and focus on the Saints."

James Roberts, 29, of Biloxi, Miss., is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 20 on the rape charge, The Sun Chronicle reported Tuesday. He is free after posting $10,000 bail.

Meriweather, who was released unexpectedly by the New England Patriots at the end of training camp after starting for the past four seasons, has not been charged in the case and it is unclear from the report whether he was present at the time.

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Police said the alleged incident occurred July 13 at Meriweather's home in Foxborough, Mass., a town 35 miles from Boston where the Patriots play home games. Roberts pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Aug. 25, a spokesman for the Norfolk County district attorney said.

Meriweather was drafted by New England in 2007 out of Miami and was named to the Pro Bowl the past two seasons. He was picked up by the Bears one day after being cut by the Patriots.

He recorded two tackles Sunday in the Bears' 30-12 win over the Atlanta Falcons, but did not start.

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