Nebraska Player Arik Gilbert Arrested, Why Was Arik Gilbert Arrested? What Did Arik Gilbert Do?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Aug 29, 2023
Nebraska Player Arik Gilbert Arrested
Nebraska's tight end Arik Gilbert, who had transferred from Georgia and was awaiting NCAA eligibility confirmation, was taken into custody early Tuesday on suspicion of burglary. Law enforcement responded to a store break-in at SJ’s Liquor and Vape Shop, discovering a shattered glass door and finding Gilbert exiting the premises carrying a bag.
Inside the bag were stolen vape products, Delta 8, cigars, and lighters with a combined value of $1,672.07. The store's damage was estimated at $650. Gilbert's legal representation status was not evident from Lancaster County court records.
Hailing from Marietta, Georgia, Gilbert, a sophomore, was a standout five-star recruit, top-ranked tight end prospect, and the 2019 Gatorade National Player of the Year. His journey included LSU, where he started eight games in 2020 and earned a spot on the All-SEC freshman team. After transferring to Georgia and sitting out the 2021 season, he played three games for the Bulldogs, contributing two catches for 16 yards and a touchdown.
Nebraska's coach Matt Rhule acknowledged that Gilbert had been dealing with personal challenges, mentioning that he had been progressing positively during the spring and summer but encountered difficulties during camp. Rhule expressed his disappointment for both Gilbert's family and the business affected by the incident, emphasizing the support network working to guide Gilbert through these challenges.
Why Was Arik Gilbert Arrested?
Arik Gilbert, Nebraska's tight end, faced arrest on a burglary charge, as reported by records from the Lancaster County Department of Corrections database. The incident unfolded at a vape shop in Lincoln, Nebraska, at 2 a.m. CT, where Gilbert was apprehended while carrying a bag containing items valued at over $1,600 from the store, as detailed by The Athletic.
Gilbert, who has transferred twice, is currently in the midst of awaiting an NCAA decision on his immediate eligibility for the upcoming 2023 season, having submitted a waiver request.
In January, Gilbert made his commitment to the Huskers from the transfer portal. Garnering a four-star rating as a transfer prospect by 247Sports, he was ranked the sixth-best tight end available. Given that this marked his second undergraduate transfer, he was not granted immediate eligibility.
Gilbert's college journey has been marked by ups and downs since his signing with LSU in 2020, where he stood as one of the premier tight end prospects in recent recruiting history.
Lauded as the tenth-best player nationally in his class and the number one prospect in his position, Gilbert lived up to expectations during his debut year with the Tigers. His impressive performance earned him Freshman All-SEC honors, recording 35 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns in eight starts. After his freshman season, he opted for a transfer, first committing to Florida before ultimately switching and enrolling at Georgia.
During fall camp, Gilbert left the Georgia team due to what coach Kirby Smart referred to as "personal issues," causing him to sit out the entire 2021 season. Despite his absence, he was present for the team's national championship celebration. In the year 2022, he saw action in three games, finding himself lower down in the depth chart behind standout tight ends Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington. Gilbert managed to secure two receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown in the previous season.
What Did Arik Gilbert Do?
Early on Tuesday morning, Nebraska's tight end Arik Gilbert found himself under arrest by the Lincoln Police Department, facing allegations of burglary at a vape shop in Lincoln. According to the online jail record, he was promptly booked into the Lancaster County Jail.
The incident unfolded at SJ's Liquor and Vape Shop, situated near 27th and O Street, at approximately 2 a.m. on Tuesday. Gilbert was allegedly spotted carrying a bag loaded with products totaling $1,672, taken from the store after a glass door was shattered using a substantial cement chunk sourced from the parking lot.
In response to a report of a break-in at the store, the police arrived on the scene and discovered Gilbert making his way towards the exit while clutching the bag. Police authorities have assessed the damage to the store, estimating it to be around $650.
Arik Gilbert, once hailed as a five-star prospect, entered Nebraska's roster following a transfer from Georgia this offseason. He had been anticipated to play a pivotal role for the Cornhuskers in the upcoming 2023 season. However, the recent arrest has cast a shadow of uncertainty over his participation, given his history of being behind Brock Bowers in the Bulldogs' depth chart for two seasons.
Despite his promising potential, Gilbert's eligibility to play for Nebraska has yet to be confirmed. Having filed a waiver, he currently awaits an NCAA decision concerning his eligibility for the 2023 college football season. The recent burglary incident has introduced an unexpected hurdle that could impact the outcome of this decision.
Earlier this month, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule had expressed the program's concerted efforts to ensure Arik Gilbert's participation in the Cornhuskers' lineup for the upcoming season.
Who is Arik Gilbert?
Arik Gilbert, a prominent figure in American football, currently serves as the tight end for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Before donning the Cornhuskers' jersey, he showcased his skills with the LSU Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs.
Hailing from Marietta, Georgia, Gilbert's journey began at Marietta High School, where he left an indelible mark as a five-star recruit and claimed the coveted title of the No. 1 tight end in the class of 2020. His commitment was solidified to play college football at LSU.
During his inaugural year at LSU in 2020, Gilbert's presence on the field was felt in 10 games, where he impressively hauled in 15 passes for a total of 236 yards and contributed two touchdowns. His commendable performance earned him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team, highlighting his potential and impact.
Following the culmination of the 2020 season, Gilbert chose to explore new horizons and entered the transfer portal. This marked a transitional phase that eventually led him to Georgia. The 2021 season saw Gilbert excel further as a sophomore, participating in 13 games and showcasing his prowess by making 35 receptions for an impressive 570 yards, accompanied by a notable seven touchdowns. His consistent contributions culminated in a well-deserved placement on the All-SEC Second Team.
The drive for progress continued, and Gilbert embarked on another transfer journey following the 2021 season. This time, his path led him to Nebraska, where his presence was highly anticipated. With expectations running high, Gilbert is poised to emerge as a cornerstone player for the Cornhuskers in the upcoming 2023 season, leaving football enthusiasts eager to witness his contributions on the field once again.
Arik Gilbert Career
Arik Gilbert is a highly talented and versatile football player who has made a significant impact in his career at both the high school and collegiate levels. Born on August 14, 2002, in Marietta, Georgia, Gilbert has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most promising young athletes in the sport.
During his time at Marietta High School in Georgia, Arik Gilbert showcased his exceptional athletic abilities, primarily as a tight end. Standing at an impressive 6'5" and weighing around 250 pounds, Gilbert possessed the physical attributes and natural talent that set him apart from his peers. His combination of size, speed, and agility made him a formidable force on the football field.
Gilbert's dominance on the gridiron did not go unnoticed, as he quickly garnered attention from college football programs across the nation. He received numerous accolades, including being named the 2019 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year, solidifying his status as one of the top high school football prospects in the country.
After an intense recruiting process, Arik Gilbert committed to play college football for the LSU Tigers, one of the most prestigious programs in the NCAA. As a freshman in 2020, Gilbert wasted no time in making an impact on the field. He showcased his versatility by lining up not only as a tight end but also as a wide receiver, highlighting his exceptional speed and catching ability.
Gilbert's freshman season at LSU was marked by remarkable performances. He finished the season with 35 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable target for the Tigers' offense. His contributions helped lead LSU to a successful season, including a victory in the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship.
However, after his freshman year, Gilbert entered the NCAA transfer portal, indicating his intention to explore new opportunities and continue his collegiate career elsewhere. He ultimately transferred to the University of Georgia, where he will look to make an impact on the Bulldogs' football program.
As Arik Gilbert continues his football journey at the University of Georgia, the expectations surrounding his potential remain high. With his exceptional size, athleticism, and versatility, Gilbert has the potential to become a game-changing player at the collegiate level. Whether he lines up as a tight end, wide receiver, or in other positions, his unique skill set will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to his team's offense.
The future holds immense promise for Arik Gilbert's football career. As he continues to develop his skills and adapt to new challenges, his impact on the field is expected to grow. Football fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Gilbert's continued growth and success, as he has the potential to become one of the most exciting and dynamic players in the sport.
Nebraska Player Arik Gilbert Arrested - FAQs
Nebraska player Arik Gilbert was recently arrested in connection with a burglary.
The arrest of Arik Gilbert occurred at a vape shop in Lincoln, Nebraska, in the early morning hours.
Arik Gilbert was allegedly seen carrying a bag containing stolen products from the vape shop after breaking the glass door.
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule acknowledged that Arik Gilbert had been facing personal challenges and the incident had disappointed both the team and Gilbert's family.
Arik Gilbert's arrest has cast doubt on his eligibility for the upcoming season as he awaits an NCAA decision on his immediate eligibility.