NFL's Sean Smith facing 7 yr jail term if convicted of assault on sister’s boyfriend

Oakland Raiders player Sean Smith has been charged with assault and battery after allegedly beating and stomping on the head of his sister’s boyfriend. If convicted, he could face seven years in prison. 

Cornerback Smith, 30, is accused of beating the victim in an incident in Pasadena, California, on July 4. 

Smith, a veteran of eight NFL seasons, is currently entering the second year of a four-year, $38 million deal with the Oakland Raiders.

READ MORE: NFL takes Vegas gamble with approval to move Oakland Raiders, fans divided

He was charged on Thursday with two counts of felony – one of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, and one of battery with serious injury, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Smith’s attorney, Daniel Rosenberg, told ESPN that Smith "maintains his innocence" and that he will plead not guilty.

"The plan is to fight the charge all the way through," Rosenberg said.

The Oakland Raiders have not commented on the alleged incident, which is said to have taken place during a six-week break in the team’s training schedule.

READ MORE: Former US boxing champion arrested for allegedly biting woman’s face

The NFL, meanwhile, said through a spokesman that "we are looking into the matter to understand the facts," Reuters reported.

Smith has also played at the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs during his career.

In 2015, he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in Kansas City, and was handed two years’ probation.

He is due in court in Pasadena to face the current charges on September 29, two days before the Raiders are scheduled to play the Denver Broncos.