Arik Gilbert, former UGA tight end, arrested in suspected burglary

Nebraska tight end Arik Gilbert, a former five-star recruit, was arrested for burglary after stealing vape products.

In a shocking turn of events, Nebraska tight end Arik Gilbert, who recently transferred from Georgia, has found himself in legal trouble. The NCAA eligibility ruling was still pending when Gilbert was arrested early Tuesday morning on suspicion of burglary. The arrest came after police received a report of a break-in at SJ's Liquor and Vape Shop in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a shattered glass door with large cement chunks from the parking lot. To their surprise, they also spotted Gilbert walking towards the exit, carrying a bag. The bag, upon inspection, was found to contain stolen vape products, Delta 8, cigars, and lighters with a total value of $1,672.07. Additionally, the damage to the business was estimated at $650.

As of now, it is unclear whether Gilbert has legal representation to comment on his behalf. The Lancaster County court records do not provide any information regarding his attorney.

Gilbert, a talented sophomore hailing from Marietta, Georgia, was highly sought after as a five-star recruit. He was not only the top-ranked tight end prospect but also the recipient of the prestigious 2019 Gatorade National Player of the Year award. After initially playing for LSU, where he started eight games in 2020 and made a name for himself by catching 35 passes for 368 yards, Gilbert decided to transfer to Georgia. Unfortunately, he had to sit out the 2021 season due to transfer rules. During his time with the Bulldogs, he played in three games, catching two passes for 16 yards and scoring a touchdown.

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule addressed the situation, acknowledging that Gilbert has been dealing with personal challenges. While not providing specific details, Rhule expressed his pride in Gilbert's performance during the spring and summer. However, he noted that the tight end has faced difficulties during camp and has been working to overcome them. Rhule emphasized that the team has a supportive environment in place to assist Gilbert. Nevertheless, he expressed disappointment for both Gilbert and his family, as well as the business owner affected by the incident. Moving forward, the team will need to navigate this setback and find a way to progress.

This incident serves as a reminder that even highly talented athletes can face personal struggles that may impact their lives on and off the field. It is crucial for individuals in positions of influence, such as coaches and teammates, to provide support and guidance during challenging times. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Gilbert's legal issues will affect his future in college football and what steps will be taken to address the consequences of his actions.

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