Former Griz quarterback denies rape charge

MISSOULA (AP) — Suspended University of Montana quarterback Jordan Johnson has pleaded not guilty to raping a woman earlier this year.

KECI-TV reports Johnson's attorney filed a motion to dismiss the charge of sexual intercourse without consent and is asking prosecutors to turn over dozens of text messages traded between students and University of Montana administrators involved in the investigation.

Johnson declined comment Tuesday as he left the courtroom to be fingerprinted and booked into jail.

Prosecutors allege Johnson raped an acquaintance in February after she invited him to her room to watch a movie.

Attorney Dave Paoli has said Johnson "strongly maintains his innocence."