Photo: Meg Oliphant / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
UCLA backup quarterback Pierce Clarkson was arrested on Friday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily harm, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The arrest, which occurred just before UCLA's game against UNLV, is reportedly connected to a possible domestic violence incident, as indicated by a source familiar with the situation reported by FOX 11.
Clarkson, a 21-year-old redshirt sophomore, was released on $30,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on October 3. UCLA has indefinitely suspended him from all team activities pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. "We are aware of the charges against Pierce Clarkson," UCLA Athletics stated, adding that the situation will be evaluated by the UCLA Office of Student Conduct as reported by 247Sports.
Before joining UCLA, Clarkson played for Louisville and briefly attended Ole Miss. He was a four-star recruit from St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, and is the son of well-known quarterback coach Steve Clarkson. Despite his talent, Clarkson has not played a down for UCLA this season, as he is third on the depth chart behind starter Nico Iamaleava and Luke Duncan according to College Football Network.
The legal proceedings will determine Clarkson's future with the team, as UCLA continues its season with backup options available in his absence.