NIU basketball player John Culbertson, who was arrested and charged with battery, said the March 10 incident began as a misunderstanding and he was only defending himself.

Culbertson was arrested after allegedly pushing a female student on the third floor of the Neptune West Residence Hall.

He was released later that day with a notice to appear in court. He did not have to post bond.

While University Police said the incident began as a shouting match, Culbertson said it was not even an argument.

“It wasn’t like it said in the paper, I just defended myself,” he said.

UPs said Monday the victim was pursuing the charges filed against Culbertson.

However, State’s Attorney Philip DiMarzio said no charges have reached his office regarding the case.

Assistant State’s Attorney Duke Harris said it is possible the charge could have been delayed in the mail.

Culbertson said he believes the victim will drop the charges.

“I told her to quit lying,” he said.

Culbertson was charged with battery, which includes “any kind of provoking or insulting physical behavior,” UP Sgt. Edward Bohn said.

Many battery cases do not get reported to the UPs, and most of the cases which are reported entail minor or no injuries, Bohn said.

A third floor resident said he heard a woman screaming from a room on the floor and when he went to the scene, the victim asked him to call the police.

UPs reported the residence hall room was occupied by other witnesses at the time of the incident who had to separate Culbertson and the female from each other.