Arik Gilbert, a tight end for Nebraska who was a former five-star prospect and is awaiting an NCAA eligibility determination, was detained early on Tuesday in Lincoln on suspicion of a break-and-enter.
According to a statement from the Lincoln Police Department, Gilbert was detained without incident as he was bringing a bag out of a booze and vape shop.
Just before two in the morning, police responded to a burglary allegation and arrived to find the store’s glass entrance broken. According to the police statement, Gilbert, 21, was discovered in possession of stolen goods totaling more than $1,600, including vaping products. $650 is the estimated cost of the store’s damage.
His arrest for burglary, a felony in Nebraska, landed him in the Lancaster County jail.
After learning of Gilbert’s arrest, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule told reporters on Tuesday that he was “obviously really disappointed, really sad” for Gilbert.
Rhule is unsure of how Gilbert’s arrest will affect his future status with the team at this time.
“I’m not prepared to speak on that,” Rhule said. “I don’t know anything about it, I really just got that phone call and I’m not going to jump to conclusions about things.”
Gilbert began his career at LSU and has 35 receptions for 368 yards as a true freshman. Gilbert is regarded as ESPN’s No. 6 overall recruit in the 2020 class. After the season, he initially decided to move to Florida, but ultimately decided on Georgia.
Gilbert only had two receptions in three games last season and spent little time with the Bulldogs in 2021 due to personal concerns.
He decided to move to Nebraska in January. Gilbert requires a waiver from the NCAA in order to be eligible for this season because his one-time transfer exemption has already been used.
Gilbert, who had been practicing with the scout team, would not have traveled, contrary to what Rhule had hoped to hear before Thursday’s season opener at Minnesota.
