Illinois lineman Clements faces charge from fight at party

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) 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 4. Clements was charged April 28 and entered a plea June 3.

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.