The New England Patriots will not release second-year corner back Alfonzo Dennard in wake of his DUI, according to the Boston Globe.
The Patriot’s do not plan on releasing Dennard, but they are prepared for him to be suspended by the NFL under the player conduct policy. Dennard could likely be looking at at least three games, as Lions CB Aaron Berry was suspended in 2012 for three games when he was arrested twice in the off season.
An NFL spokesman said only that Dennard’s case is “under review.”
Dennard is disputing the facts of last week’s DUI arrest according to the Globe, claiming that he blew into a breathalyzer twice and registered below the legal limit, and that he passed a field sobriety test. The police officer said Dennard didn’t blow hard enough into the tube.
After Dennard’s arrest the Patriots released a statement that said they “are extremely disappointed to learn of Alfonzo Dennard’s arrest. We take this matter very seriously and are working to get more information on the incident.”
The Patriot’s have endured quite a bit of media publicity the last month, in the wake of former TE Aaron Hernandez arrest and possible involvement in the murder of Odin Lloyd.
Dennard, is due in court on July 31, five days after the Patriot’s begin training camp.
Dennard started seven games last year as a rookie, finishing the season with 35 tackles, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a touchdown.
