GVSUs Berezik pleads not guilty

HUDSONVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) - A Grand Valley State University football player appeared in district court on multiple charges, including assaulting a police officer, stemming from his arrest in late November.

James Berezik, a sophomore, was facing three charges, but the prosecutors office dropped a stolen property charge. Berezik plead not guilty to a misdemeanor Minor In Possession of alcohol charge and the more serious felony charge of assaulting a police officer.

The case is now bound over to circuit court, and there will be a pre-trial hearing with the prosecutor's office soon. Berezik's next court appearance will be sometime in January.

"This situation is troublesome to Jim and his family," said his attorney Bill McDonald. "He's trying to turn a bad situation into a good one, maybe make it into a learning experience."

McDonald told 24 Hour News 8 they're looking for a plea deal.

Berezik said he still wants to play football, but that's up to the Grand Valley coaches.

24 Hour News 8 will have more information as it develops.