MADISON, Wis.(AP) -- A not guilty plea has been entered for former
Vikings first-round draft pick Erasmus James, who is charged
with disorderly conduct in a Madison bar fight.

James was arrested last weekend after police says he lost his
temper when a bartender refused to serve him after closing time.
Police say James punched a friend in the face.

The 27-year-old James stood silently Thursday in Dane County
Circuit Court and a not guilty plea was entered for him on the
misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge.

James also is charged with felony battery. A hearing on that
charge is scheduled for Nov. 30.

As conditions of his release, James isn't allowed to return to
the bar or consume alcohol. James' attorney, Steve Mays,
declined to comment.

A former Wisconsin standout at defensive end, James played three
injury-plagued seasons for the Vikings after being picked 18th
overall in 2005. He was traded to Washington last year and
played in five games before being cut in December.