Two former Ohio State University football players pleaded not guilty to rape and kidnapping charges on Thursday.
Defensive backs Amir Riep and Jahsen Wint, both 21, were kicked off the college football team on Wednesday after they were arrested and charged Tuesday. On Friday, they entered not guilty pleas via their respective lawyers.
Judge Cynthia Ebner set bond at $100,000 for Riep and $75,000 for Wint and ordered that the men not have contact with the accuser or each other. They also were ordered not to discuss her on social media. The case now will go to a grand jury, which will decide whether the men should be indicted.
Riep and Wint were accused of raping a woman in early February.
However, Wint’s attorney Samuel Shamansky said that his client is innocent.
“Were my client some stone-cold rapist, kidnapper, he wouldn’t have been on the street for seven minutes, not to mention seven days,” Shamansky said, noting that Columbus authorities waited seven days after the woman spoke to police to arrest him. “This case is so full of reasonable doubt it’s beyond belief. The reality is, my kid’s innocent,”
“He’s had zero contact with the criminal justice system. He is an outstanding student and athlete,” Shamansky, a high-profile defense attorney in Ohio, also said, reported CNN. “He is respectful and law-abiding. He’s cooperated completely with law enforcement and has nothing to hide. These false charges are outrageous, and he is eager to clear his name in a court of law.”
Shamansky added that his client is fully cooperating with the investigation and is willing to take a lie detector test. “I’m curious whether his alleged victim is willing to do the same. I’m guessing the answer is no,” Shamanksy said.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day released a statement following their arrest, confirming Riep and Wint were released from the team. “I have dismissed Amir Riep and Jahsen Wint from our football program,” said Day.
“I am not making any statement on the criminal charges, but it is clear they did not live up to our standards and my expectations. The athletics department will make sure they both continue to have access to the health and well-being resources available to students and student-athletes. Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, I will not be commenting further.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report
