Football game headbutt gets assault charge

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- A Massachusetts high school football player shown on a video head-butting an opponent during a game is facing an assault and battery charge.

Arlington Catholic High School football player James LaShoto pleaded not guilty Friday in Cambridge District Court.

Authorities say the 17-year-old hit Abington High School player Daniel Curtin after Curtin's helmet was knocked off during a Sept. 19 game.

Curtin could not play football for 10 days due to concussion concerns.

LaShoto was suspended for two games by Arlington Catholic. His lawyer, Ronald Martignetti, said although the play was "dirty," it was not criminal and did not belong in court.

LaShoto was released on personal recognizance. He is due back in court Dec. 21.

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