Former Denver Broncos defensive lineman Justin Bannan has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for attempted murder and other charges.
Bannan, 41, shot a co-worker, Ashley Marie, in the right shoulder last October. He has been charged with “attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault (extreme indifference), first-degree assault (intent to cause serious bodily injury) and first-degree burglary,” according to KDVR-TV’s Dara Bitler.
Bannan told police after he was arrested that he has hydrocephalus. The ex-defensive lineman also said the Russian mafia was following him. Bannan said he accidentally shot Marie and did not mean to hit her. Bannan will “undergo a mental health evaluation at a state hospital,” according to KDVR.
Bannan played college football at Colorado and was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL draft. He went on to spend time with the Baltimore Ravens before spending a season in Denver in 2010. He then played one season with the St. Louis Rams, another season with the Broncos, and one season with the Detroit Lions before retiring.
In 32 games with Denver, Bannan totaled 67 tackles and one sack.
