Minneapolis police apprehended a University Gophers basketball player following the team’s loss to Wisconsin on Saturday night.
Junior forward John-Blair Bickerstaff was cited for consumption of liquor by a minor and consuming in public at the corner of 13th Avenue and Fourth Street in Dinkytown.
“At this time, I am in the process of hiring a lawyer, and I am going to fight this,” Bickerstaff said.
According to the police report, Minneapolis police officers cited and released Bickerstaff for the offenses after they observed him drinking from a bottle while standing on the street.
Bickerstaff said he has talked to his parents and has their support.
“They trust me and understand what happened,” he said.
Bickerstaff’s father is former National Basketball Association coach Bernie Bickerstaff. He was reportedly considered to replace Clem Haskins as basketball coach for the University following Haskins’ resignation.
Bernie is currently the coach for the St. Louis Storm of the International Basketball League.
Bickerstaff said he will play tonight in the Gophers game against Big Ten rival Indiana.
Men’s basketball coach Dan Monson was unwilling to comment on the incident.
Men’s athletics director Tom Moe could not be reached for comment.

In other police news:
ù Four juveniles assaulted two other juveniles Feb. 1 at Northrop Auditorium.
The assailants sprayed the two victims with mace during a Ginuwine & Blaque concert last Tuesday evening.
University Police Lt. Rick Giese said the investigation is still active, but is slow-going because they have vague information about the suspects.

ù A University area home was burglarized Feb. 1, and a substantial amount of antique jewelry and silver was taken.
Minneapolis Police Sgt. Bill Chaplin said the case is inactive until the stolen items show up at a pawn shop.
No one was home at the time of the burglary.

Thomas Douty covers police and courts and welcomes comments at [email protected]. He can also be reached at (612) 627-4070 x3233.