McKenzie pleads not guilty in rape case

Published 12:01 am Thursday, August 15, 2013

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — One of the former Vanderbilt players charged with rape has entered a not guilty plea and waived the right to appear at his arraignment.

Nineteen-year-old Jaborian “Tip” McKenzie, of Woodville, along with three other ex-players, allegedly raped an unconscious student at a campus dormitory in June.

Also charged are 20-year-old Brandon Vandenburg, of Indio, Calif.; 19-year-old Cory Batey, of Nashville; and 19-year-old Brandon Banks, of Brandywine, Md.

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McKenzie, a Trinity Episcopal alumnus, and Banks are currently free on bond.

Authorities say the investigation of the June 23 incident at the Gillette House dormitory is ongoing.

The players were dismissed from the team June 29.

McKenzie’s plea was entered on Tuesday at the criminal court in Nashville. Arraignment for all four is scheduled for Aug. 21.