Suzanne Russell

@SRussellMyCJ

NEW BRUNSWICK - Eight former Rutgers University players were arraigned Wednesday on charges related to alleged home invasion robberies and an alleged assault.

The former players arraigned were Tejay Johnson, who is the only player still in custody, Nadir Barnwell, Ruhann Peele, Razohnn Gross, Daryl Stephenson, Lloyd Terry and Delon Stephenson.

Attorneys for the former players entered not-guilty pleas on their clients behalf before Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Dennis Nieves.

Andre Boggs asked for a postponement to Feb. 10 because he needs a new attorney. He indicated he is applying for a public defender.

Several of the attorneys indicated their clients had applied for pre-trial intervention.

Barnwell, Boggs, Peele, Delon Stephenson, Terry and Gross were players at the time of their arrest. Daryl Stephenson and Johnson were not.

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Nieves told Delon Stephenson he is facing incarceration if convicted and suggested his attorney continue to talk to First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Kuberiet to lower the plea offer.

Nieves said he has viewed a videotape in connection with the assault. He said the tape makes it clear Stephenson is a key person and any decision he makes about pleading guilty is key to the case.

Delon Stephenson's attorney entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf.

Barnwell, Peele, Delon Stephenson, and Daryl Stephenson are charged in connection with an alleged assault.

Gross, Terry and Boggs are charged in connection with the alleged home invasion robberies.

Johnson is charged in both the assault and home invasion robberies. He also is scheduled to return to court on Feb 10.

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Most of the other former players are scheduled to return to court Feb 26.

Also arraigned were Kaylan Ricks, who allegedly was a getaway driver in one of the robberies. The attorney for Jianan Chen also entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. It's unclear Chen's connection to the case, but Nieves indicated Chen is also facing a drug charge related to possession of almost a pound of marijuana and cash. Chen is scheduled to return to court on March 3.

Terry, who also is facing another robbery charge, is scheduled to return to court March 3.

Staff Writer Suzanne Russell: 732-565-7335; srussell@mycentraljersey.com