High school football player suits up in courtroom

MEDFORD, Mass. -- An Arlington Catholic High School football player accused of unnecessary roughness during a game appeared in court Monday.

James LaShoto plead not guilty to an assault and battery charge.

He head-butted a player from an opposing team whose helmet was knocked off, according to authorities. The incident happened during a game against Abington High School in September.

LaShoto’s lawyer says that while the headbutt that was caught on camera was dirty, it was not criminal. He added that LaShoto does not belong in court.

The victim couldn't play football for 10 days due to concerns about a concussion.

(Copyright (c) 2009 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)