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NMSU Player Pleads Not Guilty To Felony Charge

New Mexico State University senior forward Tyrone Watson has pleaded not guilty to a felony battery charge accusing him of severely beating a fellow student at a party.

An indictment issued by a Dona Ana County grand jury accuses the 22-year-old Watson of assaulting 19-year-old Miguel Rascon.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that Watson entered the plea last week and waived an arraignment scheduled Monday.

Rascon was treated for facial fractures, a gash requiring 13 stitches and other cuts and bruises after the brawl at a January party.

Watson has publicly apologized and admitted to punching Rascon once in the chin because he thought Rascon was dancing with his girlfriend.

However, Watson denies causing Rascon's more significant injuries.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.