New England Patriots don’t plan on releasing Alfonzo Dennard
New England Patriots second-year cornerback Alfonzo Dennard is currently on a two-year probation after being arrested prior to the draft for assaulting a police officer, and he will be sentenced to 30 days in jail next March. Dennard, however, was arrested for a DUI last week, thus putting him in a precarious legal position. Although Dennard’s side of the story is believable and would indicate innocence and the fact that he was targeted by the Lincoln police (he assaulted a Lincoln police officer), he should have never put himself in that situation. Now, Lincoln prosecutors want to revoke Dennard’s probation, which would cause him to be jailed immediately following his arraignment on the 31st of July.
Indianapolis Colts running back Vick Ballard (33) is tackled by New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard (37) during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Those details are somewhat cloudy, but what seems to be clear is that the Patriots aren’t going to release Dennard unless if they have to. The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin was told by a league source that the New England Patriots do not plan on releasing Alfonzo Dennard, but they are “prepared for” Dennard’s suspension by the NFL, which is a certainty at this point. He was not only arrested for a DUI, but he was also arrested during probation.
The Patriots are still trying to gather more information regarding the incident, but I have a feeling they at least somewhat believe Dennard’s side of the story. A DUI is also an incident that doesn’t get good, affordable players released, but it does get them some well-deserved discipline by Roger Goodell’s office. Alfonzo Dennard is a key part of the Patriots defense, and he had an excellent rookie year as the Pats best CB throughout the season (I’m not counting Devin McCourty here). But if he makes a third strike, then I would fully expect the Patriots to cut ties with Dennard, no matter talented he is and no matter how bunch bang he gives for the buck.
As for the length of Dennard’s suspension, your guess is as good as mine. I’m going to go with four.