Griz Quarterback Jordan Johnson Pleads Not Guilty To Rape Charge

Suspended University of Montana quarterback Jordan Johnson has pleaded not guilty to rape. Defense attorneys also filed a motion to dismiss the charge in District Court this morning.

According to the charging documents, as reported by KBZK, a woman claims she was raped by Johnson back in February. The victim states she told him "no" multiple times, and was afraid he would hit her if she resisted. The woman also stated she changed clothes and drove Johnson home after the alleged sexual assault, which was the last time the two reportedly spoke. Johnson told police that the encounter was consensual, and he didn't speak to the victim afterward because "he liked another girl".

Johnson pleaded not guilty to the rape charge this morning and defense attorneys filed a motion to dismiss it, saying the case lacks probable cause and that prosecutors left out critical information in charging documents.

Johnson was expected to be the Grizzlies starting quarterback this season. Under the University of Montana's Student Athlete Conduct Code, the rape charge yielded an automatic suspension from all U of M football related activity.