SEATTLE -- Washington tailback Rich Alexis has been charged with assault in a confrontation after he and Huskies teammate Reggie Williams were denied admission to a fraternity party.

The gross misdemeanor charge was filed Wednesday in Municipal Court, assistant city attorney Michael J. Finkle said. No charge was brought against Williams, an All-American wide receiver.

Alexis, 21, of Coral Springs, Fla., who begins his senior year this fall, could face a year in jail and a $5,000 fine if convicted of the misdemeanor.

According to police reports, Alexis twice punched a security guard, leaving an inch-long gash on the other man's forehead and chipping his front tooth, after being barred from a party at the Sigma Chi house Feb. 22 because he wasn't on the guest list.

Williams was not involved in the tussle, investigators said.

A pretrial hearing is expected in five to six weeks, lawyers said.

A university spokeswoman said there would be no comment from coach Rick Neuheisel, who typically does not publicly announce punitive action against players.

Alexis is sitting out spring practice while recovering from shoulder surgery. He was Washington's leading rusher last season with 688 yards and 10 touchdowns and set a school freshman record in 2000 with 738 yards rushing.