Lexington attorney Jim Lowry entered not-guilty pleas Tuesday on behalf of three University of Kentucky football players charged with possession of marijuana.

Running back Raymond Sanders, cornerback Marcus Caffey and wide receiver Bookie Cobbins did not appear before Fayette District Judge Megan Lake Thornton.

An officer who was patrolling near the 700 block of Woodland Avenue noticed that "a strong scent of marijuana was coming from the basement area" at Cooperstown Apartments, according to court documents.

Each player admitted to the officer that he had smoked marijuana, and the drug was found inside the address listed on the citations.

The three are eligible for the criminal diversion program, an alternative sentencing program designed for first-time offenders.

If diversion is approved, as much as 60 days of community service will be assigned at a designated volunteer agency, appropriate counseling for alcohol or drug behavior will be determined, and fees will be assessed for administrative and court costs.

Upon completion of the program, the offenders have their charges dismissed. However, if the terms of the program are not met, or if the participant is charged with another offense in the interim, the sentence will be imposed.

Judge Thornton made no decision on whether the three will go into the diversion program at Tuesday's arraignment. The next court date for the players is Jan. 16.