LITTLE FERRY, N.J. -- A priest accused of pointing an antique rifle at an 8-year-old boy pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday, reports CBS New York.

Father Kevin Carter is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated assault -- stemming from a Sept. 13 incident that took place inside the rectory of the St. Margaret of Cortona Roman Catholic Church.

The 54-year-old priest allegedly asked the boy, who had just arrived for Mass with his family, to step into one of the rooms in the rectory and stand against the wall, according to officials. He then allegedly pointed an unloaded -- but fully functional -- replica Civil War-era musket at the eight-year-old.

Prosecutors say that the alleged incident could stem from a NFL football rivalry. Carter, a New York Giants fan, and the boy, who roots for the Dallas Cowboys, were talking about football shortly before the incident occurred, according to Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli.

The two NFL teams had been scheduled to play the night of Sept. 13.

A parishioner, who had been standing outside the room and witnessed the incident, filed a complaint and the priest was reportedly arrested Saturday and released later that day.

On Tuesday, Carter told reporters outside the Bergen County Municipal Court that the boy came into the rectory "to have some good-natured fun about a football game," according to CBS New York.

Molinelli told reporters on Saturday that he didn't consider pointing a gun at someone -- especially little kids -- to be a joke.

Surrounded by supporters, Carter also mentioned he was showing off the replica gun to a fellow history buff. His lawyer told CBS New York that the boy was not told to stand against the wall and was never fearful.

"Afterwards, the boy warmly received Father [Carter] outside, as did his family," Harold Cassidy said.

Cassidy also told the station that the witness had misinterpreted the incident. Father Carter then asked his parishioners to "treat her lovingly."