(VIDEO) Assault Trial For Patriots DB Dennard Under Way

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska assault trial for New England Patriots rookie Alfonzo Dennard has begun.

Dennard, a former Nebraska cornerback, was arrested April 21 outside a bar in Lincoln, accused of punching a police officer in the face during a fight. Dennard is charged with assaulting an officer, resisting arrest and third-degree assault and faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
Dennard's trial in Lancaster County District Court started Monday. Lincoln television station KOLN-TV reports that Dennard's lawyer said in his opening statement that Dennard hit the officer in self-defense.
On Tuesday, Officer Brian Kopsa testified that Dennard hit him in the jaw after Kopsa told the football player he was under arrest.
Attorneys have said they expect the trial to end on Friday.

Alfonzo Dennard arrives for his scheduled court appearance Wednesday