On Tuesday, the former New York Giants star linebacker Lawrence Taylor pleaded not guilty to sex crime charges in Rockland County, New York. Taylor has been charged with third-degree rape for allegedly engaging in sexual intercourse with someone younger than 17 and third-degree patronization for allegedly paying the underage victim $300 to have sex.

Police arrested Taylor on May 6 in Ramapo, New York, about 30 miles northwest of New York City. Police arrested him on suspicion of raping a 16 year-old-girl. The alleged victim was a runaway from the Bronx who said she had been brought to Ramapo and Taylor by a pimp. The girl returned to New York City the day after the alleged rape, and she texted an uncle who called the New York City Police. Law enforcement then arrested Taylor and the pimp. Taylor is free after posting $75,000 bail.

Taylor's defense attorney says that Taylor did not rape or have sex with the girl. He notes that the rape charge does not involve violence, force, threat, or weapons, but involves having consensual sex with a minor, which his client has denied happened.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer was a 10-time all-pro linebacker for the New York Giants from 1981 to 1993. He is noted for his contributions to how the outside linebacker position is played, but has also had well-known problems with substance abuse and cocaine addictions. He quit using drugs, and lately has been known as a sports commentator and was a contestant on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."

 

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Ex-star linebacker Taylor pleads not guilty in rape case (CNN)