LINCOLN, Neb. -- New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was sentenced Thursday to 30 days in jail, beginning on March 1, 2014, and two years of probation for assaulting a police officer outside a Lincoln bar last year.

Alfonzo Dennard apologized to his coaches, supporters, police and his family and promised to abide by the terms of the probation at his sentencing hearing. AP Photo/Nati Harnik

In court, Dennard apologized to his coaches, supporters, police and his family and promised to abide by the terms of the probation. He declined comment after leaving court.

Dennard's attorney, Terry Dougherty, said he would ask Lancaster County District Judge Stephanie Stacy to suspend the jail sentence if Dennard complies with the terms of his probation over the next 11 months. Stacy said she would consider such a motion at that time.

A jury in February found Dennard guilty of the felony charge and a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest. The former Nebraska player was acquitted of third-degree assault against another man. Dennard had faced up to five years in prison for the officer assault and up to a year for resisting arrest.

Dennard was arrested just after 2 a.m. on April 21. A police report said officers outside the bar witnessed a verbal altercation between Dennard and another person that appeared to be escalating before other people separated the two.

The officers approached the group and told Dennard twice he "needed to leave the area," according to a police affidavit. The affidavit said Dennard was walking away when an officer saw him punch another man.

Officer Ben Kopsa then ran up to Dennard, told the football player he was under arrest and tried to handcuff him. Officers said Dennard pulled away, then punched Kopsa in the face. During his trial, Dennard acknowledged he may have resisted arrest, but denied punching the officer.