Attorney enters plea of not guilty for KU basketball player accused of possessing alcohol

Kansas University basketball player Ben McLemore pleaded not guilty Thursday afternoon to a misdemeanor charge of minor in possession of alcohol.

His defense attorney, Al Lopes, who appeared in court for McLemore said he will request more information from prosecutors in the case.

McLemore, 18, received a ticket Nov. 4 from a state Alcoholic Beverage Control officer. The officer alleged McLemore was found with a Red Bull and vodka at Abe and Jake’s Landing, 8 E. Sixth St. The freshman from St. Louis had missed his initial court date in December.

The NCAA in October declared McLemore, as a partial academic qualifier, ineligible to play in games in the 2011-2012 season. After his fall semester grades were turned in, he was allowed to begin practicing with the team in January.

McLemore’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 6. KU coach Bill Self has said any team discipline will be handled internally.