On the same day Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston will found out whether he’ll face criminal charges (there’s possibly a confidential settlement agreement somewhere that guarantees he won’t), Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard will learn the consequences of his recent probation violation.
Unless he doesn’t.
According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, Dennard faces a Nebraska judge at 2:30 p.m. ET Thursday for sentencing in connection with the admitted violation, arising from a DUI that occurred when he was on probation following a conviction for assaulting a police officer in April 2012. On Friday, Dennard faces sentencing on the underlying DUI charge.
Dennard’s lawyer has asked the judge to delay the sentencing until after the football season ends. If the judge denies the motion and imposes a sentence of jail time, Dennard could be put behind bars immediately.
While the result would be jarring, it shouldn’t be surprising. Probation is, literally, a get out of jail free card. Failure to comply with the terms of probation suggests that the defendant hasn’t gotten the message.
The judge could decide to send a loud and clear message to Dennard on Thursday.