James pleads not guilty to battery

MADISON (AP) - A not guilty plea has been entered for a former University of Wisconsin football player and Minnesota Vikings first-round draft pick who's charged with felony battery and misdemeanor disorderly conduct in a Madison bar fight.

Erasmus James was arrested last weekend after police said he lost his temper when a bartender refused to serve him after closing time and punched a friend in the face. James stood silent in Dane County Circuit Court Thursday and a not guilty plea was entered for him.

As conditions of his release, James isn't allowed to return to the bar or consume alcohol. James' attorney didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.

James was a former Wisconsin standout at defensive end and played three injury-plagued seasons for the Vikings from 2005-07. He was traded to Washington last year and was cut in December.