Not guilty plea entered for former first-round pick, DE Erasmus James on Wis. battery charges

Not guilty plea for ex-first-round pick DE James

MADISON, Wis. — A not guilty plea has been entered for former Vikings first-round draft pick Erasmus James, who is charged with felony battery and misdemeanor 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.

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.

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.