Alfonzo Dennard was scheduled to appear in court Friday, two days before the New England Patriots' season opener, for a probation violation hearing in connection with his DUI arrest earlier this summer. That hearing has been postponed until Sept. 16, according to WEEI in Boston, giving the cornerback more on-field practice time.
The 16th is the Monday following the Pats' home opener against the New York Jets. The Patriots normally take Mondays off, meaning that Dennard will not have to miss any practice time to fly down to Lincoln, Neb., to meet in front of a judge. He is expected to be a full participant in practice Friday.
Dennard was sentenced to probation and 30 days in jail this past April after being convicted of assaulting a police officer outside a Lincoln nightclub just before the 2012 NFL Draft. A DUI arrest would seem to be a violation of the terms of his probation, potentially exposing Dennard to even more jail time depending on what the judge rules.
Dennard is slated to start for the Patriots this season after recording 35 tackles, seven pass breakups, three interceptions and a forced fumble as a rookie.
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