MADISON -- Three men accused of beating up Wisconsin Badgers' running back Montee Ball pleaded not guilty Tuesday, October 2nd.
Wendell Venerable, Deonte Wilson and Robert Wilks are each charged with substantial battery (party to a crime).
A criminal complaint says Ball was kicked and punched Aug. 1st as he walked in Madison. The complaint says a friend interrupted the attack when she threw herself over Ball on the ground.
Prosecutors say witnesses identified the three men, all 21, by looking at surveillance video from a nearby apartment building. Witnesses told investigators they heard the attackers say they planned to target football players in retaliation for a previous fight at a party when one of them was hurt.
Prosecutors say Ball suffered a concussion as a result of the attack.
Venerable, Wilson and Wilks will face trial in the case.
Related stories: