A former football standout from Western Kentucky University has pleaded not guilty to assault and other charges stemming from an altercation outside a club in Bowling Green. Tyler Higbee made a brief appearance in Warren Circuit Court Thursday for arraignment.
Higbee was drafted last week by the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams. Defense attorney Brian Lowder says Higbee’s legal woes will not keep him from participating in the team's rookie mini-camp this weekend.
"The court is generally flexible with respect to letting people earn a living and that's what we expect him to be doing," Lowder told WKU Public Radio. "I would anticipate we will be accommodated with regard to him earning a living and playing football."
Higbee is charged with assault, evading police, and public intoxication. Higbee has denied using racial slurs before hitting Nawaf Alsaleh, which witnesses said preceded the fight last month. Alsaleh received a concussion and brain hemorrhage, and has since been released from the hospital. Higbee claims he acted in self-defense.
Higbee is due back in court on June 17 for a status hearing.
