Former first-round pick DE James arrested Eds: APNewsNow.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) Former Vikings first-round pick Erasmus James was arrested early Thursday after punching a friend in the face at a bar in Madison.

Authorities say the 27-year-old James began fighting with a friend after James tried to order a drink at a popular bar near Wisconsin's campus after closing time.

The Wisconsin State Journal first reported the arrest.

James was released from the Dane County Jail. A prosecutor will decide if a battery charge is warranted.

A former Wisconsin standout at defensive end, James played three injury-plagued seasons for the Vikings after being picked 18th overall in 2005. He was traded to Washington last year and played in five games before being cut in December.

A call by The Associated Press to the agent who represented James wasn't immediately returned.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-05-09 1909CST | save this article / add to your favorites list