Former NFL corner-back Brandon Browner pleaded not guilty Monday to breaking into an ex-girlfriend's apartment in La Verne and trying to kill her.
Browner, 33, is facing one felony count each of attempted murder, first-degree residential robbery, first-degree burglary with a person present and false imprisonment, along with two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to a child. He is due back in court Aug. 29, when a date is expected to be set for preliminary hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
Browner allegedly broke into an ex-girlfriend's apartment July 8, chased and dragged her and then tried to smother her in a carpet. The woman's two children were present when the alleged attack occurred, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
Browner is also accused of stealing the woman's Rolex before fleeing from the home. Authorities estimated the value of the watch at $20,000.
Browner was arrested about 5 1/2 hours later by La Verne police and is being held in a Los Angeles County jail in lieu of $10 million bail.
Browner played on two Super Bowl-winning teams -- the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots -- during his 11-year football career, during which he also played for the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints.
