Buffalo Bills’ Marcell Dareus to stand trial for alleged car race in May when Jaguar hit tree

HAMBURG, N.Y. – Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus will stand trial for reckless endangerment nearly a year after he crashed his car into a tree during an alleged race with a teammate.

Dareus, 25, arrived at Hamburg Town Court on Tuesday for a scheduled hearing but, after sitting in the front row for a few minutes, left with his attorney before the judge took the bench.

Attorney Michael Caffery said a trial has been scheduled for May 19. Dareus did not speak with reporters.

Dareus, the Bills’ first-round draft pick in 2011, was charged with a misdemeanour count of reckless endangerment and also issued numerous traffic violations after crashing his 2012 Jaguar into a tree near a busy intersection during an alleged race with teammate Jerry Hughes not far from Ralph Wilson Stadium on May 30.

The accident came four weeks after Dareus was arrested for possession of synthetic marijuana following a traffic stop in his native Alabama. He agreed to enter an NFL substance abuse program to resolve those charges.

Caffery turned down an offer to plead guilty to reckless driving early on, and in December the lawyer said he was still talking with the Erie County District Attorney’s office about resolving the case without a trial.

District Attorney Frank Sedita was not immediately available to comment after Tuesday’s hearing.

Despite Dareus’ legal troubles during the off-season, he recorded 10 sacks during the regular NFL season and was sent to the Pro Bowl.