Patriots' Dennard sentenced to 30 days in jail
New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was sentenced Thursday to 30 days in jail and 24 months of probation for assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest last April.
Lancaster County District Judge Stephanie Stacy in Lincoln, Neb., said Dennad's sentence, which will start on March 1, 2014, could be suspended if he meets the terms of his probation over the next 11 months.
In the meantime, he will have to do 100 hours of community service that must be "law-enforcement related." Also, he must ask for permission to travel if it is not football-related.
Dennard agreed with the terms of his punishment. He also apologized to Ben Kopsa, the police officer he assaulted.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Nebraska football coach Bo Pelini both wrote letters to Judge Stacy on Dennard's behalf.
Dennard was arrested on April 21, 2012 celebrating after being drafted by the Patriots. He was charged with assault against a police officer -- a Class 3-A felony in Nebraska -- plus misdemeanor resisting arrest and misdemeanor assault.
He was found guilty in a trial two months ago of felony assault and resisting arrest.
