Cornhuskers Cornerback Popped After Popping Cop

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska’s outgoing star cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was arrested Saturday on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, possibly hurting his status in next weekend’s NFL draft.

Alfonzo Dennard

Dennard, 22, has been projected to be as high as a second-round pick. But NFL.com draft analyst Gil Brandt said Dennard’s arrest could drop him from the third to fourth round, a difference that could cost him about $300,000 in salary over a standard four-year rookie contract.

Dennard is known for his aggressive play. He and South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery were ejected from the Capital One Bowl for taking swings at each other. Brandt said he wouldn’t connect Dennard’s behavior in the bowl game to the incident early Saturday.

Lincoln Police Capt. Jason Stille said officers tried to break up a fight between Dennard and a 22-year-old man outside a Lincoln bar shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday. Dennard hit the man before punching an officer who tried to intervene in the head, Stille said.

He was arrested after a brief struggle with four officers, police said. The officer hit in the head did not seek medical treatment.

Dennard, originally from Rochelle, Ga., was held Saturday in the Lancaster County jail on suspicion of assault of a police officer, third-degree assault and resisting arrest.

Nebraska Cornhuskers athletics spokesman Keith Mann said football coach Bo Pelini was aware of Dennard’s arrest but had no comment.

License To Drive

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska volleyball star Lauren Cook will return to the No. 2-ranked Cornhuskers after reaching an agreement with prosecutors that could wipe a felony traffic charge from her record.

Lauren Cook

The 20-year-old apologized Tuesday for her role in an Oct. 30 traffic crash that left two people injured. She vowed to complete a one-year diversion program that includes community service, avoiding other run-ins with the law and a promise not to drive.

Cook, the daughter of Nebraska women’s volleyball coach John Cook, was charged with leaving the scene of an injury accident. The felony count will be dismissed if she meets terms of the diversion agreement.

Lauren Cook is accused of sideswiping a motorcycle that was pulled off to the side of a north Lincoln street. The motorcycle driver suffered a broken leg, and his passenger had cuts.

She has had six speeding tickets since 2007.