HAMBURG, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus will still try to resolve charges stemming from an alleged street-racing accident after failing to accept a plea deal on Tuesday.
Dareus’ lawyer Michael Caffery turned down the prosecution’s offer to plead guilty to reckless driving during a brief appearance in Hamburg Town court. Caffery instead said he intends to obtain more details on the prosecution’s evidence in a bid to reach a resolution before a potential trial.
Upon listening to the two sides, Judge Gerald Gorman put the case off until Sept. 9, when Dareus is next scheduled to appear in court. The Bills open the season two days earlier in Chicago.
Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita told The Associated Press that the plea deal remains on the table.
Dareus was charged with misdemeanour reckless endangerment after crashing his 2012 Jaguar into a tree on May 30. The accident occurred near a busy suburban Buffalo intersection and after Dareus was alleged to be racing Bills linebacker Jerry Hughes.
The 24-year-old Dareus also was ticketed for numerous traffic violations, including leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving and taking part in an illegal race.
Sedita said he doesn’t expect to file criminal charges against Hughes, who has already met with police and prosecutors.
Dareus was dressed in a grey suit after he travelled from Alabama to be in court on Tuesday. The Bills 2011 first-round draft pick arrived and left the courthouse without commenting.
The accident happened about a month after Dareus was arrested in Alabama and charged with possession of synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia. His lawyer has said there are plea discussions in that case.
The off-field troubles could lead to the NFL taking disciplinary action against Dareus, including a suspension.
The Bills are off until July 18, when players are scheduled to report for the start of training camp in suburban Rochester.
