Football coach pleads not guilty to assault

WOBURN, Mass. -- A youth football coach charged with beating the father of one his players has pleaded not guilty.

William Reynolds was released on personal recognizance after entering his plea to a charge of aggravated assault and battery with serious injury Wednesday in Woburn District Court.

Reynolds stepped down from his coaching position with Wilmington Pop Warner after the Oct. 16 incident.

Police say the 43-year-old Reynolds made the 12-year-old boy run laps after he showed up late for practice. The boy's father, 48-year-old Michael VonKahle, objected, saying it was his fault his son was late.

The men then went into the woods, where VonKahle suffered a swollen eye and a broken nose. Reynolds said VonKahle was the aggressor and he acted in self defense.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)