Authorities say Illinois football player Jarrod "Chunky" Clements has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor battery stemming from a fight at a party in March and has entered a program that could see the charge reduced or dropped.
Clements' attorney, Evan Bruno, said Monday the 6-3, 290-pound Clements was accused of punching another man on March 4th.
Clements was charged April 28th and entered a plea June 3rd.
Champaign County lead prosecutor Troy Lozar said the senior defensive lineman was placed in a program that allows those accused of lower-level crimes to perform community service and have charges reduced or dropped.
Clements was given 20 hours of community service.
Illinois coach Lovie Smith said in a statement that he is "disappointed" in Clements and will "reinforce" Illinois' expectations for its athletes.