A former Georgia Tech football star has pleaded not guilty to first-degree child cruelty charges in Gwinnett County.

Recardo Wimbush and his wife are both charged with locking their son in the basement of their Buford home for 18 months as a form of discipline. He was only left in the room with a mattress and a jar to use as a toilet.

The boy is now 14 years old.

Therian Wimbush, the mother of ten, did not enter a plea Thursday, because she had recently fired her attorney.

The Gwinnett Daily Post reported she told investigators she used Old Testament teachings to punish her son. Police say the boy was regularly fed and was in fine health.

The couple has been denied bond. So far a trial date has not been set.