Patriots' Alfonzo Dennard convicted of assaulting cop By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib (centre) runs an interception back for a touchdown against the Colts in front of teammate Alfonzo Dennard (right) during NFL action in Foxborough, Mass., on Nov. 18, 2012. (Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters/Files)

New England cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was found guilty of third-degree assault against a police officer and a resisting arrest by a jury on Wednesday in Lincoln, Neb.

Dennard faces up to six years on prison. Third-degree assault of a police officer is a felony. Sentencing is set for April 11.

The jury's verdict ended a weeklong, high-profile trial in a state where Dennard emerged as a standout cornerback for the Cornhuskers.

The conviction almost certainly will impact Dennard's football career. He not only faces a jail term but a likely suspension from the NFL.

The incident took place last April outside a Lincoln bar just days before the NFL Draft. Dennard was accused of hitting a police officer in the jaw and assaulting another man. Dennard was acquitted Wednesday on the misdemeanor assault charge.

After the altercation, Dennard, considered a potential first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, slipped to the seventh round.

As a rookie with the Patriots, Dennard started seven regular-season games and and two playoff games.