Naseem Gaskin, 20, pleaded not guilty on Monday to felony strangulation of partner and misdemeanor partner or family member assault for allegedly strangling his girlfriend on Aug. 19.
Charges were filed against the former University of Montana Grizzly Basketball player on August 21, after his girlfriend alleged he pinned her to a bed and strangled her during an argument over his phone on the 19th.
A UM spokesman confirmed to MTN Sports last Monday that Gaskin has been let go from the team and is no longer enrolled at UM. He appeared in court on Monday via video from California.
At an earlier hearing Gaskin was told he could not contact the alleged victim. On Monday however, after a request from the alleged victim, the judge granted her and Gaskin contact via phone call and text message, but warned Gaskin not to discuss the case.
His next hearing was set for Thursday, October 15.
