KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Former Tennessee and Gainesville High School linebacker A.J. Johnson will be tried separately from ex-Volunteers teammate Michael Williams as both men face aggravated rape charges.
Stephen Ross Johnson, a lawyer representing A.J. Johnson, says his client's trial is now scheduled for Sept. 29. Williams has an Aug. 24 trial date.
The Tennessean first reported the cases would be tried separately.
Johnson had filed a motion for a separate trial in May. The motion said Williams "made out-of-court statements referencing Mr. Johnson" and indicated the statements shouldn't be admissible against Johnson.
Johnson and Williams were indicted in February after being named as suspects in a rape investigation and suspended from the team in November. (See earlier story at http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/3/286077 .) Johnson has graduated and completed his eligibility. Williams, who played cornerback, also is no longer on Tennessee's roster.
A.J. Johnson
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/7/325141/aj-johnson-to-be-tried-separately