Nebraska TE Arik Gilbert arrested again in Georgia

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. (KLKN)– Nebraska tight end Arik Gilbert was arrested in Lumpkin County, Ga. Friday on suspicion of burglary.  This is the second time in three weeks that Gilbert has been arrested.

According to Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, Gilbert was arrested on suspicion of smash-and-grab burglary and obstruction of officers.  As of Friday, no bond has been set.

On August 29, Gilbert is accused of burglarizing a Lincoln vape shop. The Lincoln Police Department said he used large cement chunks to smash his way inside SJ’s Liquor and Vape Shop at 27th and O streets.  LPD said the stolen items totaled more than $1,672.

Gilbert, a sophomore from Marietta, Georgia, transferred to Nebraska in 2023 and was awaiting a ruling on his eligibility from the NCAA. He was a five-star recruit who was the top-ranked tight end prospect and 2019 Gatorade National Player of the Year.

He initially played at LSU, where he started eight games in 2020 and was named to the All-SEC freshman team after catching 35 passes for 368 yards. He transferred to Georgia and sat out the 2021 season. He played in three games for the Bulldogs last season, catching two passes for 16 yards and a touchdown.

At a press conference in August, Rhule spoke about Gilbert when asked about his arrest.

“During camp, he’s had some struggles,” Rhule said. “He’s working to overcome them, we have a great group of people here trying to help him and then obviously last night happened.”