from www.tmz.com – With steel handcuffs clamped down on his wrists, NFL legend Lawrence Taylor just left a New York courtroom — where a judge set his bail at a whopping $75,000.

Taylor was formally arraigned on charges of 3rd degree rape (sex with a minor) and patronizing a prostitute in the 3rd degree.

The prosecution first requested that the judge set bail at $100k, citing LT’s lengthy criminal history. Taylor’s attorney called the request “ludicrous.” Ultimately, the judge settled on $75k.

Minutes before the arraignment, cops held a news conference, where they confirmed several facts:

— LT was “very cooperative” with police.

— Cops say LT had some alcohol inside his hotel room, but officials won’t specify what kind or how much. LT didn’t appear to be intoxicated when cops arrived to his room.

— Officers also claim LT did not attack his accuser, her black eye was caused before she arrived to his hotel room.