Patriots safety Patrick Chung has pleaded not guilty and waived his Wednesday arraignment on a cocaine possession charge, a New Hampshire Supreme Court spokesperson announced in a release to the media Monday.
Chung's next court appearance will be a "dispositional conference" that is scheduled for Nov. 8 in Belknap County Superior Court in Laconia, N.H.
Chung was indicted last Thursday by a New Hampshire grand jury on the charge, a Class B felony in the state that carries a fine of up to $2,000 and a potential prison term of up to seven years. Even if he is found not guilty of the charge, which stems from June, he'll likely face discipline from the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
The Patriots released a statement acknowledging they were "aware of the reports regarding" Chung and the team "will not be commenting while his judicial proceedings take place."
The league said in a statement that it would "monitor developments in the law enforcement matter."
Chung was absent from practice Wednesday ahead of Thursday's preseason win over the Panthers after previously wearing a red non-contact jersey throughout training camp as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery.
However, he resumed workouts Sunday.
Patrick Chung is back to practice with his #Patriots teammates pic.twitter.com/A4SKV7CLxp
— The Camera Guys (@NBCSCameraGuys) August 25, 2019
The Patriots wrap up exhibition play Thursday against the Giants before hosting the Steelers for this season's first edition Sunday Night Football.