Browns defensive end Marcus Benard pleads not guilty to 2 traffic charges from accident

10/18/2011
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The motorcycle Cleveland Browns defensive end Marcus Benard crashed Monday, Oct. 10, 2011 in Brooklyn, Ohio.
The motorcycle Cleveland Browns defensive end Marcus Benard crashed Monday, Oct. 10, 2011 in Brooklyn, Ohio.

CLEVELAND — Browns defensive end Marcus Benard has pleaded not guilty to two traffic charges stemming from his motorcycle accident last week.

Benard did not appear in Parma Municipal Court on Tuesday. His attorney faxed in the pleas.

Benard, who is done for the season after breaking his hand and sustaining other unspecified injuries, was charged with reckless operation and driving with a suspended license.

No new court date has been scheduled.

Benard spent three nights in the Cleveland Clinic following the crash.

Police estimated Benard was thrown 241 feet after smashing his Can-Am Spyder into a guardrail on Interestate-71.

The Browns placed Benard on the reserve non-football injury list, and have decided to pay him for the remainder of this season.