BY SEAN DONOVAN
Dennard is facing felony assault charges stemming from a fight in a Lincoln, Nebraska bar where he allegedly punched a police officer. He has waived his right to the preliminary hearing that was scheduled for Tuesday, according to a report from the Boston Herald.He will now be arraigned on May 30 and is out on a $5,000 bond. If convicted, Dennard could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Dennard has been a full participant in the Patriots' rookie minicamps.
In 2011 at Nebraska, Dennard was a first-team All-Big Ten selection and won the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year award. He originally projected to be a day two selection in April's Draft.
The Lincoln bar fight occurred on April 21, just a few days before the draft in which Dennard would learn where his NFL career would begin. According to the police report, it took multiple officers to restrain Dennard.
The incident, combined with an ejection for fighting in his final college game and a lackluster Senior Bowl performance, caused his draft stock to plummet. If New England can keep Dennard out of trouble, it acquired a very talented player for a low draft pick. Dennard should have no problem making the 53-man roster.
The Jets also have a young player facing legal trouble. Second-year defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis' trial for a felony malicious wounding charge is set to begin on May 22, according to ESPN New York.
He stands accused of breaking a man's nose and jaw while attending Hampton University in April 2010. Ellis faces 20 years in prison and possible deportation to his native Jamaica, as he is not a U.S. citizen.
The Jets knew of the pending legal trouble when they used a third-round pick on Ellis in the 2011 draft.
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