Introduction to the Incident
A 21-year-old UCLA redshirt sophomore quarterback was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and suspended from the Bruins football team, pending an investigation, according to school officials and law enforcement authorities.
Pierce Clarkson was arrested Friday by officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Southwest Division in the Florence area.
Details of the Arrest
LAPD sources told NBC4 Investigates that officers were called about a driver in a car attempting to strike another car in the South Los Angeles neighborhood. The sources said Clarkson was in some type of argument with his former girlfriend and chased her car with his car. At some point, Clarkson sideswiped the other car, the LAPD sources said.
Clarkson was arrested near the site of the altercation.
Legal Proceedings
He is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 3.
Bail was set at $30,000, and he was released after posting bond later that night, according to county jail records.
Clarkson was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, a felony, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Details about what led to the arrest were not immediately available.
Response from UCLA Athletics
It was not immediately clear whether Clarkson, who led Southern California prep football powerhouse St. John Bosco High School to the 2022 Southern Section Division 1 championship, has an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
UCLA Athletics released a statement Sunday.
“We are aware of the charges against Pierce Clarkson,” the university said. “He has been indefinitely suspended from all team activity pending the outcome of the legal process. This situation will be evaluated by the UCLA Office of Student Conduct and any further action taken will be in accordance with that evaluation and university policy.”
Background on Pierce Clarkson
At St. John Bosco HS, Clarkson was a four-star prospect ranked among the nation’s top quarterbacks. He finished his prep career at the Bellflower schools with 3,319 passing yards on 181-of-290 passing and 42 touchdowns. Clarkson rushed for 676 yards and nine scores in his career.
Clarkson did not play in either of UCLA’s first two games this season. His college career began at Louisville in 2023, where he completed 4-of-6 passes for 18 yards and rushed for 9 yards on five carries in three games over two seasons for the Cardinals.
Clarkson spent this spring at Mississippi before transferring to UCLA.
Conclusion
The arrest and suspension of Pierce Clarkson mark a significant turn in the young quarterback’s career, raising questions about his future in football. As the legal process unfolds, UCLA’s decision to suspend him pending the outcome reflects the seriousness with which the university views the allegations. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of conduct both on and off the field for student-athletes.
FAQs
- Q: What are the charges against Pierce Clarkson?
A: Clarkson was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, a felony. - Q: What is the status of Pierce Clarkson with the UCLA football team?
A: He has been indefinitely suspended from all team activity pending the outcome of the legal process. - Q: What is the background of Pierce Clarkson in football?
A: Clarkson is a former four-star prospect who led St. John Bosco High School to the 2022 Southern Section Division 1 championship. He has played for Louisville and spent time at Mississippi before transferring to UCLA. - Q: When is Pierce Clarkson scheduled to appear in court?
A: He is scheduled to appear in court on October 3.
