Updated

A nephew of New York Giants owner John Mara has pleaded not guilty in Connecticut to charges he hit a man in the head with a bottle during a New Year's Eve party.

The 22-year-old nephew also is named John Mara. Defense attorney William Dow III says he pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of assault and breach of peace in Bridgeport Superior Court.

Police say a witness identified Mara as the person who committed the assault. An arrest affidavit says victim Philip Blackman suffered life-threatening injuries that required immediate surgery.

Mara lives in Mount Kisko, N.Y. He was arrested in February.

The assault charge carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison upon conviction.