LINCOLN, Neb. -- Assault charges were dropped Monday against Nebraska running back Thunder Collins, who was accused of assaulting live-in girlfriend and Nebraska basketball player Shannon Howell.

Collins agreed to enter a program that allows first-time offenders to avoid conviction and criminal record. He had been scheduled for trial Monday but Howell would not testify against him.

"You have a ... witness who doesn't feel like she's been assaulted," Collins lawyer Craig Wittstruck said.

Assistant County Attorney Bruce Prenda was not available for comment.

Pretrial diversion is similar to probation without a conviction. Those in the program must avoid legal trouble or the original charge can be re-filed.

Collins faced two counts of misdemeanor assault. If convicted, he could have faced up to six months in jail on each count.

Coach Frank Solich has declined comment other than to say university and team procedures will be followed.

Collins, entering his junior year, was briefly suspended in the spring for academic problems.

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