New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was convicted of assaulting a police officer in Lincoln, Neb., last year. A jury found Dennard guilty of the felony charge and a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest, but acquitted the former Nebraska standout of third-degree assault against another man, Lancaster County Attorney Joe Kelly said.
Dennard faces up to five years in prison for the officer assault and up to a year for resisting arrest, Kelly said. His sentencing hearing is April 11.
Dennard was arrested April 21 outside a bar in Lincoln. A police report said officers witnessed a verbal altercation between Dennard and another person. The officers approached the group and told Dennard twice he “needed to leave the area,” according to a police affidavit. The affidavit said Dennard was walking away when an officer saw him punch another man.
Officer Ben Kopsa then ran up to Dennard, told the football player he was under arrest and tried to handcuff him. Officers said Dennard pulled away, then punched Kopsa in the face.
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