Boykin info..

[RebelYelp]

Ole Miss star pleads not guilty

By Michael Wallace
mwallace@clarionledger.com

OXFORD — Ole Miss star football player McKinley Boykin told a judge this morning that he argued with his girlfriend but never physically abused her.

Boykin, 21, pleaded not guilty to simple assault/domestic violence during his initial appearance in Oxford Municipal Court. Another hearing is scheduled for July 20, when judge Larry Little will decide if the case will move forward or be dismissed.

Boykin appeared before Little Wednesday standing alongside Patty Smith, who identified herself as Boykin's girlfriend and said she didn't wish for the charge to be pursued against Boykin.

"It was an argument ... a misunderstanding," Boykin said in court. "But I never put my hands on her or anything like that."

Boykin was arrested by Oxford Police on March 10 after a neighbor at his off-campus apartment complex called police to report a late afternoon disturbance, according to the police report.

Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron has said Boykin will be disciplined by the team, but he declined to specify the extent of the punishment. Boykin, a junior defensive tackle from Bessemer, Ala., was twice named SEC defensive lineman of the week last season and finished with 36 tackles.

The 6-2, 285-pound standout is recovering from offseason knee surgery and is not participating with the team in spring practice.