Nebraska TE Arik Gilbert Arrested for Suspicion of Robbing Vape Store

The former five-star recruit transferred to the Cornhuskers’ program in January after stops at LSU and Georgia.

Nebraska tight end Arik Gilbert was arrested Tuesday morning on speculation of burglary in Lincoln, Neb.

Gilbert, a former five-star recruit, was arrested without incident after he was found possessing vape materials, cigars, Delta 8 products and lighters from SJ’s Liquor and Vape Shop that amounted to more than $1,600 in value. He was taken into custody around 2 a.m. CT in Lancaster County, according to a statement from the Lincoln Police Department via On3.

In December, Gilbert entered the transfer portal before making the decision to transfer to Nebraska in January. Despite the transfer, Gilbert is still seeking a NCAA waiver to be eligible to play this season.

Last week, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule told reporters that he hoped to know whether the former LSU and Georgia tight end would play ahead of the Cornhuskers’ season opener on Thursday against Minnesota. Gilbert transferred in from Georgia, and needs an NCAA waiver to play in 2023.

“There’s obviously been some twists and turns, with things going back and forth,” Rhule said Friday, per ESPN. “Out of respect for Arik, I’m not going to broadcast all those different things. But there’s still just, looking for some finality, and everyone’s working hard to get it done.”

As a freshman at LSU, Gilbert registered 35 receptions for 368 yards. After his stint in Baton Rouge, he was initially slated to continue his career in the SEC, briefly committing to Florida before he ultimately enrolled at Georgia instead. Personal issues kept him away from the Bulldogs program in ’21. Last season, Gilbert recorded two receptions in three games.