Worthy Enters Plea of Not Guilty; Trial Set for Jan. 28 in Houston

James Worthy pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Houston to two counts of soliciting prostitutes.

A trial date was set for Jan. 28, 1991.

Worthy was arrested last Thursday before the Lakers’ game with the Houston Rockets. Released on $1,000 bail, he rejoined his teammates in the second quarter and played the rest of the game. He has started all three Laker games since.

Worthy’s Houston lawyer, Cornel Williams, issued a written statement in which he said he is still accumulating evidence and will have no further comment. Not guilty is the customary plea during the arraignment stage of legal proceedings.

Worthy has said he won’t discuss the case but broke his silence over the weekend, telling the Associated Press:

“I made a major mistake. I can’t dwell on it. It’s a tough problem, but it’s not going to go away. I know I’ve hurt some people badly and I’ve got to address that. I’m just going to go out and play. I’m not looking for sympathy.”