Rhule ‘sad and disappointed’ after hearing Nebraska football player arrested for Lincoln burglary

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Two days before the first game of the season, a Nebraska Football player was arrested for burglary.

Lincoln Police said 21-year-old Arik Gilbert broke into Sj’s Liquor and Vape at 27th and O Streets around 2 a.m. Tuesday.

Surveillance video obtained from the store shows a man breaking into the store and rummaging through the merchandise. Large cement pieces from a nearby parking lot were used to break the glass to the front door, according to police.

Police said Gilbert stole $1,600 worth of items, including vape products, Delta 8, cigars and lighters. In the surveillance video, Lincoln Police officers can be seen waiting at the door, where the suspect is put in handcuffs.

Gilbert appeared in court for his arraignment Tuesday afternoon. He was charged with burglary, a class 2A felony, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. A judge set his bond at ten percent of $5,000. He’s since bonded out of jail and is due back in court Sept. 27.

The sophomore tight end is a Georgia transfer. He was awaiting an eligibility ruling from the NCAA for this season.

Coach Matt Rhule said he got a call about the news as soon as he came into work Tuesday.

“Obviously, really disappointed, really sad for him,” Rhule said. “When we took Arik, we knew we had a really good group of people who were going to help him through some of the issues he’s dealing with in his life. I’ve been really proud of the job he’s done this spring and summer. To be honest, during camp he’s had some struggles, he’s been working to overcome them. We have a great group of people here trying to help him and then, obviously, last night happens.”

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