FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Arkansas defensive back John Jackson
pleaded not guilty at an arraignment for his
driving-while-intoxicated and reckless driving charges and a trial
date was set for June 9.
Jackson, who has been suspended from the team, didn't appear at
Friday's arraingment. Fayetteville lawyer Bob White entered the
plea, according to the deputy clerk for Washington County.
The trial will be held before District Judge Rudy Moore.
Jackson, 19, won't participate in spring practice, which was to
start Monday. Arkansas sports information director Kevin Trainor
said Jackson's status with the team hasn't been determined.
Jackson, a rising junior from Monticello, was supposed to meet
regularly with Rodger Hunter, the director of student life for the
men's athletic department, as part of his team discipline.
According to a police report, on Feb. 8 an officer had reason to
believe Jackson was driving under the influence of alcohol.
Jackson's car sped past a patrol car, rolled through a stop sign
and nearly hit another car turning onto Poplar Street, Sgt. Shannon
Gabbard said.
Jackson went through a field sobriety test but declined to take
a breath test, which resulted in an automatic arrest.
Most of Jackson's two seasons have been spent as a reserve
defensive back and special teams player. He's one of only three
scholarship players with any returning experience in the secondary.
Jackson, who made 17 tackles last year, played two games at
outside linebacker after senior Jimarr Gallon was kicked off the
team for a DWI arrest.