49ers linebacker pleads not guilty to sexual battery

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks pleaded not guilty to sexual battery on Tuesday in Santa Clara County (Calif.) Superior Court.

Brooks was not present during the hearing. His attorney, Josh Cohen, entered the plea.

The charges stem from an incident at the house of former teammate Ray McDonald in December when a woman accused Brooks of groping her while she was unconscious.

The woman said she was drunk at a late-night party when she fell and hit her head before Brooks groped her and McDonald raped her. The alleged victim also said there is surveillance footage to provide evidence.

McDonald pleaded not guilty to rape charges on Friday. He was earlier released by the 49ers.

The 31-year-old Brooks is still with the 49ers and had seven tackles in the team's first three games this year. The woman previously filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Brooks.

Brooks could face up to six months in jail. He is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 28.