Former Nebraska Tight End Arik Gilbert Pleads No Contest to Lincoln Commercial Burglary

LINCOLN, Nebraska — Former Nebraska Cornhuskers football player Arik Gilbert has officially pleaded no contest to a commercial burglary charge in Lancaster County District Court, according to legal records. The plea resolves charges stemming from a late-summer break-in at a local business in Lincoln.

The incident occurred on August 29, 2023, when Lincoln Police officers responded to a commercial burglary alarm at SJ's Liquor and Vape shop in Lincoln. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the store's glass door shattered and discovered Gilbert inside the building carrying a bag filled with stolen merchandise, including vape products and keychains. Gilbert was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.

Gilbert, a high-profile transfer tight end who previously played for LSU and Georgia, was suspended and did not play a game for the University of Nebraska prior to his arrest. The commercial burglary charge, a Class IIIA felony in Nebraska, carries a potential sentence of up to three years in prison.

By entering a plea of no contest, Gilbert acknowledges that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to convict him without explicitly admitting guilt. The plea agreement will lead to a sentencing hearing where the judge will determine the legal penalties. Sentencing has been scheduled for a later date, and Gilbert's legal representation has declined further comment on the plea.