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Alfonzo Dennard missed practice for court appearance

Print | Comments () Posted by Shalise Manza Young, Globe Staff January 17, 2013 12:59 PM

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By Shalise Manza Young, Globe Staff

Patriots' rookie cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was absent from practice on Wednesday, and the reason given by the team on the day's injury report was "not injury related."

Dennard was in Lancaster County, Nebraska for a court appearance because of his April 21 arrest outside of a Lincoln, Neb. bar, just days before the NFL Draft was set to begin.

On Wednesday, Dennard's trial date was set for Feb. 11, according to Lancaster County District Court records. Attorneys believe it will take up to four days.

Police say Dennard allegedly pushed and punched an officer in the head and four officers were required to take him into custody.

He is charged with third-degree assault on an officer, a Class 3A felony, resisting arrest, first offense, which is a Class I misdemeanor, and third-degree assault, which is also a Class I misdemeanor in Nebraska.

The felony charge carries a maximum sentence of five years and/or a $10,000 fine; the misdemeanors carry maximum punishments of not more than one year and/or a $1,000 fine.

The Patriots selected Dennard in the 7th round of the draft; he has started eight games at cornerback this season.