Arik Gilbert generated more than his fair share of headlines for someone who never actually stepped on the field for the Nebraska football team. Unfortunately, almost all of those headlines were negative. And more than a few were about the former highly-touted prospect being put in handcuffs.
On Tuesday, the criminal case involved Arik Gilbert in Lincoln appears to be settled once and for all. The former Nebraska football member appeared in court in order to enter a plea and receive his sentence.
The ex-Georgia Bulldog pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors concerning a break-in at a vape and liquor shop in Lincoln last August. The former player was originally charged with a felony burglary count.
However, as part of a deal with Lincoln prosecutors, the charge was reduced to first-degree trespassing and criminal mischief, and Gilbert entered his plea. In exchange for the plea deal, the ex-Nebraska football player - who was once thought to be among the best tight end talents in the country - was fined $400 and ordered to pay restitution to SJ's Liquor and Vape Shop.
SJ’s was the shop where Gilbert was arrested after breaking in and seen exiting with a bag full of paraphernalia. The player, who was dismissed from the Nebraska football team sometime after this arrest has similar charges pending back in his home state of Georgia.
Ex-Nebraska football player's criminal case finds a resolution
According to the Omaha World-Herald Gilbert's attorney, Sandy Pollack claimed that Gilbert is being treated for a mood disorder that may have played a part in his break-ins.
After the arrest and dismissal from the team, Pollack said the player returned to Georgia and is now under the watchful eye of medical professionals.
Before his legal issues, Gilbert had spent months with the Nebraska football team waiting from word from the NCAA on a waiver that would have allowed him to play in 2023.