Patriots defensive back Alfonzo Dennard was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in Nebraska early Thursday morning, Lincoln police confirmed.
According to a police report, Dennard was stopped just before 2 a.m. on Normal Boulevard after a Lincoln police sergeant observed a red Honda Accord straddling lane lines. The report says Dennard “emitted an odor of alcohol and displayed signs of impairment.”
After field sobriety tests were performed at the scene, he was taken to Cornhusker Place, a substance abuse treatment facility, for a breath test, but the report says he “would not provide an adequate breath sample for testing.”
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Dennard was cited for DUI, refusal of a chemical test, and straddling lane lines, and then released. He has a court date of Aug. 12.
Dennard’s arrest is the latest black mark for the Patriots, who released Aaron Hernandez last month hours after he was arrested in connection with the murder or Odin Lloyd.
“The New England Patriots are extremely disappointed to learn of Alfonzo Dennard’s arrest,” the team said in a statement Thursday.
“We take this matter very seriously and are working to get more information on the incident.”
Dennard is on two years probation, must serve a 30-day jail sentence in 2014, and perform community service following his conviction on a felony assault charge stemming from a dispute outside a Lincoln bar in 2012. Dennard was convicted of assaulting a police officer during the April 21, 2012 incident.
When Dennard was sentenced in April, his attorney, Terry Dougherty, said he would ask the court to reconsider the 30-day jail sentence before it is scheduled to begin next March.
Judge Stephanie Stacy issued a stern message to Dennard at his sentencing about his future behavior.
“There are a lot of people who are watching you — young athletes who will model your behavior, your attitudes, particularly about law enforcement,” she said. “I hope this order of probation gives you an opportunity to set a positive example and positively influence people.
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“I encourage you take advantage of that. Good luck to you.”
Dennard’s arrest is another distraction for the Patriots as they head toward training camp at the end of July.
“Everything we don’t want is happening,” team owner Robert Kraft said Monday when discussing Hernandez’s arrest.
If the Patriots were to cut Dennard, he would count just $43,386 against the salary cap this season.
Ben Volin of the Globe staff contributed to this story