Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor turned himself in to a Florida jail on Wednesday after being charged with a sex offender violation stemming from an incident earlier this month. Taylor pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleges a failure to comply with a legal requirement.
Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor was arrested and charged with a sex offender violation in Florida on Wednesday. The charge stems from an incident in Broward County on July 2nd and alleges that Taylor failed to comply with a law requiring him to register as a sex offender.
Lawrence Taylor Faces Sex Offender Charge, Pleads Not Guilty
Taylor's attorney, Mark English, vehemently denied the allegations and stated that his client "did not knowingly commit any criminal offense." English emphasized that the situation is a "significant misunderstanding" and expressed confidence that once prosecutors review the exculpatory evidence, Taylor will be exonerated.
This is not the first time Taylor has faced legal troubles related to sex offenses. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct and patronizing a prostitute after being accused of having sexual relations with a 16-year-old girl. Taylor claimed that the girl had told him she was 19 at the time.
Lawrence Taylor Faces Sex Offender Charge, Pleads Not Guilty
In 2021, Taylor was arrested for failing to report an address change, which was also related to his previous sex offense conviction. His attorney attributed the arrest to a "mix up," and Taylor pleaded no contest to "residency restriction for persons convicted of certain sex offenses."
Taylor played for the New York Giants from 1981 to 1993 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history.
Lawrence Taylor Faces Sex Offender Charge, Pleads Not Guilty
Despite his past legal issues, Taylor has remained active in public life. He has expressed support for former President Donald Trump and has been a vocal critic of the NFL's social justice initiatives.
The sex offender charge against Taylor is a third-degree felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. Taylor was released from jail on Thursday after posting bail.
The case is currently under investigation, and it is unclear what additional charges or penalties Taylor may face. However, his attorney remains confident that Taylor will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
