College football player faces assault charge

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A Western New England University football player has been held without bail after pleading not guilty to fracturing his girlfriend's skull.

John Perry, a junior linebacker from Marblehead, Mass., was held after his arraignment Monday in Springfield District Court on a charge of aggravated assault and battery. That's pending a hearing scheduled for Thursday to determine whether he is a danger to society.

Prosecutors say Perry assaulted his girlfriend early Sunday at an off-campus house they share with other students.

The victim, who remains hospitalized, says Perry struck her during an argument.

Perry's lawyer told the judge the woman was already injured when the defendant arrived home and he called 911. The defense also pointed out that in text messages to friends, the woman said she didn't remember what happened.