New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard is facing up to six years in prison after being found guilty of assaulting a police officer, a felony, and resisting arrest, according to the Lincoln Journal Star.
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A former Nebraska star, Dennard had been charged with third-degree assault of an officer, resisting arrest and third-degree assault of a 22-year-old man following an incident on April 21. He was found not guilty on the charges involving the 22-year-old man. Dennard will be sentenced on April 11.
The week-long trial ended Wednesday, a day after a jury of four men and eight women failed to reach a verdict after six hours of deliberation. The jury sided with prosecution, which contended that Dennard punched a police officer outside a Lincoln bar.
The incident came just days before the 2012 NFL Draft, causing Dennard to free-fall down boards. The Patriots took a chance on Dennard in the seventh round, and he was an impact player in his rookie season, making seven starts and finishing with three interceptions.
Dennard had been in line to start for the Patriots at right cornerback in 2013, though Wednesday's guilty verdict might force a change in plans. With Dennard facing prison time, the Patriots might be more inclined to bring back Aqib Talib, a pending free agent.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
