Raiders CB Sean Smith pleads not guilty to assault

Share

Raiders cornerback Sean Smith on Friday pleaded not guilty to felony assault and battery charges, the Los Angeles District Attorney confirmed to NBC Sports California. 

Smith attended his arraignment on Friday morning at the Pasadena branch of Los Angeles County Superior Court, and missed a Raiders practice day. Head coach Jack Del Rio said Smith will be "good to go" and available for Sunday's road game against the Denver Broncos. 

Legal issues won't keep him from football for more than a month. His next court appearance, a preliminary hearing, is set for Nov. 6. At that hearing, a judge will decide if there's enough evidence for the case to go to trial. 

That's near perfect timing for Smith. The Raiders play a Sunday night game at Miami the day before that hearing, and fly home right after. He could attend that hearing without missing work, especially with that day being the start of a bye week. 

Smith's charges stem from a Fourth of July exchange where he allegedly beat up his sister's boyfriend, who was in critical condition after the incident.

Smith, 30, turned himself in back in August, and immediately posted an $80,000 bond. He could face up to seven years in state prison if he is convicted, according to TMZ, who first reported the news. A not guilty plea was expected. A source told NBC Sports California when he was originally charged that Smith would fight the allegations. 

The 6-foot-2 cornerback has appeared in two games for the Raiders this year with one start and two tackles.

Contact Us