National Football League

LT fails to get rape charges dismissed

Published Dec. 7, 2010 11:25 p.m. ET

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Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor failed to get rape charges dismissed Tuesday, New York's Journal News reported.

New York State Supreme Court Justice William Kelly called for pretrial hearings, slated to begin Dec. 23, after Taylor's attorney challenged the legality of the New York Giants legend's arrest.

Arthur Aidala argued that police violated Taylor's rights by entering his hotel room without a warrant and requested that any statements made by Taylor during his arrest be declared inadmissible.

The 51-year-old former NFL star is accused of paying a 16-year-old girl for sex on May 6 at a Holiday Inn in Montebello, N.Y.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe initially offered Taylor up to six months in jail and 10 years' probation in return for a guilty plea. Taylor would also have to register as a sex offender.

Aidala said Taylor was leaning strongly toward heading to trial, rather than accepting the plea deal.

Taylor, nicknamed LT, was the NFL MVP in 1986, when he recorded 20.5 sacks. He made the Pro Bowl 10 times and won two Super Bowls during his career with the Giants from 1981 to 1993.