News Summary
Pierce Clarkson, the UCLA quarterback, has been arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, resulting in his indefinite suspension from the football team. The incident reportedly involved Clarkson chasing his former girlfriend’s vehicle and sideswiping it during an argument. With his bail set at $30,000, he is expected to appear in court soon, while the UCLA Athletic Department has confirmed his suspension pending legal proceedings. This incident has raised concerns about the impact on Clarkson’s future and the struggling UCLA football program this season.
Los Angeles – UCLA quarterback Pierce Clarkson was arrested on September 8, 2023, on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, leading to his indefinite suspension from the football team. The incident, which took place in the Florence area of Los Angeles around noon, involved Clarkson reportedly chasing his former girlfriend’s vehicle and sideswiping it during a heated argument.
The 21-year-old redshirt sophomore was involved in the altercation that prompted a call to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Southwest Division regarding a driver attempting to strike another car. Officers apprehended Clarkson near the scene shortly after the incident. The assault charge is classified as a felony by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, although the weapon involved was not a firearm, as confirmed by LAPD public information officer Drake Madison.
Clarkson’s bail was set at $30,000, which he posted later that evening, leading to his release. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 3, 2023, to face the charges against him. As a result of his arrest, UCLA’s Athletic Department has confirmed his indefinite suspension from all team activities pending the legal process’s outcome.
The UCLA Office of Student Conduct will also evaluate the situation and determine further actions in accordance with university policy. Clarkson has not participated in either of UCLA’s first two games this season, contributing to the team’s disappointing start as they sit at an 0-2 record after losses to Utah and UNLV.
Clarkson transferred to UCLA after a brief stint at Louisville and Ole Miss and was highly regarded as a four-star prospect out of high school. He led St. John Bosco High School to a championship and accumulated impressive statistics, including 3,319 passing yards and 42 touchdowns. Additionally, he recorded 676 rushing yards during his high school career, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
During his time at Louisville, Clarkson saw limited playtime, completing 4-of-6 passes. His father, Steve Clarkson, is a well-known quarterback trainer, further connecting Pierce to a football legacy. UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster has indicated that Clarkson will not be allowed in team facilities until the situation is resolved.
This incident has drawn attention given Clarkson’s promising background and the challenges faced by the UCLA football program this season. Following the suspension news, fans and commentators alike are left questioning the implications of this situation on Clarkson’s future and the team’s performance as they strive to turn around their current season.
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HERE Resources
UCLA Quarterback Arrested on Felony Assault Charges
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Beverly Hills High School Principal Announces Departure
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: Assault
- NBC Los Angeles
- Google Search: Pierce Clarkson UCLA
- New York Post
- Google Scholar: UCLA football legal issues
- CBS News Los Angeles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Felony
- MyNewsLA
- Google News: UCLA Pierce Clarkson
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
