Former Nebraska cornerback Dennard to leave jail

LINCOLN, Neb. — Bond was set at $5,000 on Monday for former Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, an NFL draft prospect who is accused of punching a police officer over the weekend.

Dennard is charged with third-degree felony assault of a police officer. Police say he struck the officer during a disturbance outside a Lincoln bar about 2:15 a.m. Saturday.

Dennard was dressed in a dark blue jail jumpsuit during a hearing that lasted about a minute. He was released from Lancaster County Jail early in the evening after posting $500.

"We're glad to get him out of jail," said his attorney, Terry Daugherty. He declined further comment.

Dennard's next court appearance is scheduled for May 15. If convicted, he could face five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said Monday that Dennard never caused him any problems during his four years with the Cornhuskers. When a reporter suggested it was a bad time for Dennard to run afoul of the law, Pelini deadpanned, "Ya think?"

Dennard was the 2011 Big Ten defensive back of the year and has been projected to be a second-or third-round pick in this week's draft.

NFL.com draft analyst Gil Brandt said if Dennard drops from the third to fourth round because of the arrest, it could cost him about $300,000 in salary over a standard four-year rookie contract. Brandt said some teams might hesitate to take a player with a criminal record because NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has made it known he wants to the league to project a good image.

Dennard and South Carolina receiver Alshon Jeffery were ejected from the Capital One Bowl for taking swings at each other.

Lincoln police said officers tried to break up a fight between Dennard and a 22-year-old man outside the bar. Dennard allegedly hit the man before punching in the head an officer who tried to intervene.

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., also was ticketed for third-degree assault and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors.