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Whitner pleads not guilty in Cleveland

CLEVELAND -- Buffalo Bills defensive back Donte Whitner has pleaded not guilty to charges he forced his way past police during an altercation at a Cleveland nightclub.

The former Ohio State player was charged April 13 with aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Whitner made a brief appearance Tuesday in Cleveland Municipal Court.

A preliminary hearing will be set on the charges. Whitner left the courtroom without commenting.

Police said they used a stun gun on the 23-year-old and handcuffed him when he tried to force his way past officers trying to control a crowd outside a nightclub on April 11. They said it was unclear why he was trying to leave the club and head for the melee outside.

Since then, Whitner has apologized.