Assault charges against University of Kentucky defensive back Brett Hamblen, who faces separate arson charges in Lexington, were dismissed Thursday in Hamilton County.

        Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Robert Taylor dismissed the assault case against the Fort Thomas man, 19, a redshirt freshman at UK and a former Highlands High School football standout, because the prosecuting witness did not show for the hearing, according to bailiff Christina Borger-Kleeman.

        The case had been continued three times after Mr. Hamblen pleaded not guilty to the charges Aug. 1. He would have faced up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted, according to Mr. Hamblen's attorney, Thomas E. Raisbeck.

        “There were some issues for both sides,” Mr. Raisbeck said. “This was after a concert at Riverbend. I think it's clear that since the prosecuting witness didn't appear, he wasn't too hepped up [to prosecute]. I think it was a good conclusion for both sides.”

        The misdemeanor assault charge resulted from a complaint filed against Mr. Hamblen alleging that on July 31

        he hit and kicked Douglas Hulley.

        Mr. Hulley, of North College Hill, could not be reached for comment.

        Mr. Hamblen could face 20 years to life in prison if convicted of setting a second-floor bulletin board on fire in Kirwan I, an all-male UK dorm, Dec. 11.

        Kirwan I houses 160 residents, many of them football team members.

        Mr. Hamblen and two other UK players, Jeremy Darveau, 20, and Ben Scott, 19, turned themselves in to university police, and all three were charged with first-degree arson, a Class A felony.

        All three players have been suspended from the football team.

        Mr. Hamblen is described on the Kentucky Wildcats Web site as an “outstanding two-way player” and as having a “phenomenal” senior season at Highlands High School.

        Mr. Raisbeck said that though he will not be Mr. Hamblen's attorney on the arson charge, he does not think the dismissed assault case will have any bearing on the Lexington charges.

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