Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar pleads not guilty to drunken driving

9/30/2013

CLEVELAND — Former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar has pleaded not guilty to drunken driving charges in suburban Cleveland.

Bedford Municipal Clerk of Courts Thomas Day says Kosar’s attorney sent the not guilty plea on Kosar’s behalf today. A Dec. 9 pretrial hearing was scheduled.

Police in Solon (SOH’-lun) say Kosar was pulled over for speeding early Sunday and officers smelled a strong odor of alcohol. The police statement says Kosar took sobriety tests and was taken to jail.

Kosar didn’t return a phone call seeking comment.

The 49-year-old Kosar has publicly talked about how head injuries sustained during his NFL career have affected his speech, making him sometimes slur his words. He has also been addicted to pain medications, gone through a divorce and had financial troubles.