COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Ohio State fullback Branden Joe pleaded innocent Wednesday to a drunken driving charge.

Joe, a 20-year-old sophomore, did not attend the hearing in Franklin County Municipal Court. His lawyer, Joe Scott, entered the plea on his behalf.

Joe was arrested Friday after police found him asleep in a car about 3:45 a.m. on a highway ramp near campus. Police said he refused to take a breathalyzer test.

Ohio State upperclassmen report for summer practice on Thursday.

Coach Jim Tressell said on Wednesday that no decision has been made regarding Joe's status, and added that the team will play a role in making it.

"Branden had a hearing today and of course we, number one, defer to the legal process," Tressell said, "and number two, we discuss any consequences with the group before we do with the public."

The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without prior written authority of The Associated Press.