Charges Dropped Against Suspended Wayne Hills Football Player

Aggravated assault charges have been dropped against a northern New Jersey high school football player who had been accused along with several teammates of severely beating two other teens at a house party last year.

Darren Del Sardo, a lawyer for one of the Wayne Hills High School players, tells The Record newspaper that the charges against his client were dismissed last week. But he didn't disclose further details.

Nine players -- including one adult -- were suspended from the team after being charged in the Oct. 29 brawl, and they eventually were barred from playing in a state championship game.

Residents became divided over whether the suspensions were fair, and the dispute drew widespread attention as it dragged on for more than three weeks.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)