KENT, Wash. -- Former Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Chad Wheeler has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges of first-degree domestic violence assault, domestic violence unlawful imprisonment and resisting arrest.
Wheeler entered the plea Monday morning during an arraignment at King County's Maleng Regional Justice Center. He was ordered to remain in Washington as a condition of his pre-trial release.
Wheeler was arrested Jan. 22 after his girlfriend accused him of twice strangling her into unconsciousness while he was experiencing what both called a "manic episode." According to a police report and charging documents obtained by ESPN, the woman said that when she regained consciousness for the second time, Wheeler verbally expressed his surprise that she was still alive.