Titans' Britt enters not guilty plea

HOBOKEN, N.J., July 12 (UPI) -- Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt has pleaded not guilty in New Jersey to three disorderly persons offenses and will face trial Sept. 20.

The New Jersey native faces charges related to a June incident in Hoboken when he was arrested by plainclothes narcotics officers who claimed Britt crushed a marijuana cigar in his hands to conceal it from investigators, The (Newark) Star-Ledger reported Tuesday.

In an initial court appearance, charges of third-degree resisting arrest, fourth-degree tampering and fourth-degree obstruction were downgraded to disorderly persons charges of resisting arrest and hindering prosecution.

Britt, wearing a tan suit and gold tie, appeared in the courtroom with his attorney, John Hughes. Both Britt and Hughes declined to comment after the hearing.

Britt and his attorney appeared in court Monday to enter a plea and discuss a trial date and Britt's availability considering the ongoing the NFL lockout.

The Titans are set to play the Ravens on Sept. 18 if the lockout is resolved.

Tuesday is a day off for NFL players, so Britt will be available on the 20th to return to Hoboken for the trial, the Star-Ledger reported.