PHOENIX (AP) -- Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, who authorities have said is the mother of his baby daughter.
A Maricopa County Superior Court spokesman said Washington entered the plea Monday.
Washington is charged with aggravated assault and criminal trespass. He has been free since he posted $2,400 bond after being arrested May 3. Phoenix police have said Washington's ex-girlfriend claimed he grabbed her by the throat and shoved her to the ground following an argument at her apartment.
Washington led the Cardinals with 134 tackles and nine sacks last season. He signed a six-year, $32.5 million contract extension in September but has been suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
The NFL has declined comment until the legal process has played out
