Morris twins plead not guilty in Phoenix beating case

Former KU stars Marcus and Markieff Morris, who now play for the Phoenix Suns, have pleaded not guilty to two counts each of felony aggravated assault.

They are accused of helping three other people beat a man outside a Phoenix recreation center on Jan. 24. The brothers entered their pleas Thursday in Maricopa County Superior Court.

Police say 36-year-old Erik Hood reported that he was repeatedly punched and kicked while sustaining a fractured nose, abrasions and large bump on his head.

A call to the Suns for comment was not immediately returned. The 6-foot-9 twins played at Kansas during 2008-11 and left after their junior seasons to enter the NBA Draft. Markieff was taken with the No. 13 pick by Phoenix, and Marcus was picked next by Houston. The twins became teammates in 2013 when Marcus was traded to the Suns.

Their next court appearance is June 30.

This story was originally published May 8, 2015 at 9:47 AM with the headline "Morris twins plead not guilty in Phoenix beating case."