Former NBA guard Ben Gordon pleads not guilty to charges from juice shop incident

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Former NBA guard Ben Gordon pleaded not guilty Tuesday to weapons and threatening charges in connection with a disturbance at a Connecticut juice shop in which police responding to reports of his erratic behavior forced him to the ground and handcuffed him.

Gordon, who also starred at the University of Connecticut when the Huskies won the 2004 NCAA championship, appeared in court in Stamford with his lawyer, Darnell Crosland, who entered the pleas.

After court, Crosland said in an interview that Gordon has struggled with his mental health and with what to do with his life after he retired from the NBA following the 2014-2015 season and an 11-year pro career.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Ben Gordon #7 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 6, 2014 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California.  (Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

"That passion he had while playing he still has, but it's hard to navigate shark-infested waters post-league," Crosland said, not elaborating on what he meant. "But he is doing his best and is now focusing on his family."

Gordon may seek a diversionary program to settle the criminal charges, Crosland said. Gordon is due to return to court next month.

Gordon, who was born in England and grew up in Mount Vernon, New York, was arrested in April — on his 40th birthday and just hours after UConn won its fifth NCAA men's basketball championship — at the Juice Kings shop in Stamford.

ARREST WARRANT ISSUED FOR AN ASSOCIATE OF GRIZZLIES STAR JA MORANT, OFFICIALS SAY

Ben Gordon #7 of the Orlando Magic prepares to shoot a free throw against