[Kansas City.com] Chiefs defensive lineman Lional Dalton appeared in Johnson County District Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of battering his wife.

Following the hearing, Dalton’s attorney, Kevin Regan, countered reports that the couple are estranged. They maintain separate households in different cities, which Regan said is not unusual for professional athletes.

The case was continued to Jan. 25.