Jets WR Edwards won't go into assault charge

Oct 28, 2009 - 9:45 PM By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Sports Writer

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.(AP) -- New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards refused to provide details Wednesday about the misdemeanor assault charge he faces over accusations he punched a man outside a Cleveland nightclub.

"I have lawyers for that, and that's their job to take care of that," Edwards said in his first media availability since the charge was filed Monday. "Right now, I'm focusing on football. That's what I'm here to do. Those people can take care of that and I can focus on helping this team out."

Edwards is accused of punching promoter Edward Givens, a friend of NBA star LeBron James, following an argument Oct. 5. Two days later, the Browns traded Edwards to the Jets.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. An arraignment was scheduled for Nov. 17 in Cleveland Municipal Court. Patrick D'Angelo, one of Edwards' attorneys, said the receiver will plead not guilty.

When asked if he threw the punch, Edwards said: "It's still a legal matter. It's still pending. We'll see what happens with that."

Edwards has nine catches for 118 yards and a touchdown in three games since being acquired from Cleveland.

The Jets said in a statement Monday that the team was aware of the allegations before the trade and will let the legal process run its course.