MSU Football Player Pleads Not Guilty to Aggravated Assault

KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) — A Montana State football player has pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault for allegedly punching a man while he was working as a bouncer in a Bigfork bar.

The Daily Inter Lake reports 21-year-old Donald Tudahl entered his plea Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Court documents say Tudahl was working in the Garden Bar on July 1 when a customer shoved him after they exchanged words.

The documents say Tudahl punched the man in the face once, breaking his nose and possibly his jaw.

MSU spokesman Tracy Ellig confirms that Tudahl is on the roster as a junior tight end from Bigfork. He was the team's long snapper in 2011.

Ellig had no further comment on Thursday.

A conviction carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Tudah's next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 31.