BILLINGS -- Two members of the Billings Outlaws football team accused of scuffling with police outside a night club over the weekend pleaded innocent to misdemeanor charges Thursday in Municipal Court.

Etu Molden, 24 -- who is charged with criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and obstruction -- was released from the National Indoor Football League team later in the day.

"We've decided as of today to release Etu Molden because of what happened with the situation at the nightclub last weekend,'' Outlaws coach Joe Curtiss said Thursday.

"Yohance Humphery will be staying with the team. Basically it's because of the different roles the two played in the situation,'' Curtiss said.

Molden also pleaded innocent to a speeding ticket he received Feb. 2 for allegedly driving 78 mph in a 65 mph zone on Interstate 90. He also was cited for failing to wear a seat belt.

Humphery also appeared before Judge Mary Jane McCalla Knisely. He faces a single charge of misdemeanor obstruction.

Pretrial hearings in both cases are scheduled for March 17.

Court records said Molden and Humphery -- both key members of the University of Montana's 2001 national championship team -- were at the Underground Club early Saturday when Molden was asked to leave for bringing his own alcohol inside the bar. Police said Molden fought with the owner and bouncers as they escorted him outside. During the scuffle, Molden grabbed a neon "open'' sign and threw it, hitting two patrons and smashing the sign, police said.

When police arrived, Molden refused to cooperate and fought with officers. After he was placed in a patrol car, Molden repeatedly spit in the car, officers said.

Police said Humphery rammed four police cars with a vehicle, causing minor damage. Both men refused to give their names, court records said.

Molden was freed on $935 bond. Humpheryy was freed on $350 bond.

Molden and Humphery joined the Outlaws in December for the NIFL season, which begins on March 15.

Molden was Montana's leading receiver in 2001 and Humphery holds the school's career rushing record.