Rashaun Jones, former University of Miami football player, pleaded not guilty on Friday in connection to the death of a former teammate.

During the arraignment, prosecutors filed a second-degree murder charge against Jones, who was not present in the virtual hearing. The former athlete’s lawyer entered a not guilty plea, The Associated Press reported.

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Jones was arrested in August this year for his alleged involvement in the killing of Bryan Pata, a defensive tackle for Miami who was considered likely to be drafted by the NFL. Jones was a teammate of Pata’s during college time. Pata was fatally shot after returning from team practice in November 2006.

He was charged with first degree murder during the time of arrest. If the prosecutors still want him to face those charges, they would have to present the case to a grand jury.

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Though Jones was a suspect in the murder for long, it took him 15 years to get arrested. According to the Associated Press report, the prosecutors learnt about multiple disputes between Jones and Pata. Jones had allegedly threatened to fire at the victim, Pata’s brother told the prosecutors.

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Jones told investigators that he was in his apartment when Pata had been murdered. But his case was weakened due to his cellphone records obtained. Eyewitnesses also identified Jones as being in the parking lot outside of the apartment complex where the crime took place.