L. Taylor pleads not guilty to rape charge

NEW YORK, July 13 (UPI) -- Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor pleaded not guilty in New York Tuesday to charges he raped a 16-year-old girl at a hotel.

Taylor, 51, was arraigned in a Rockland County courthouse on felony charges of third-degree rape and third-degree criminal sexual act, two misdemeanor counts of third-degree sexual abuse, endangering a child's welfare and third-degree patronizing a prostitute.

Authorities allege Taylor admitted to sex acts with the girl at a Montebello, N.Y., hotel in May but thought she was 19.

Taylor, who helped the New York Giants win two Super Bowls while playing for the NFL club from 1981 to 1993, could be sent to prison for four years if convicted.