News Summary
Pierce Clarkson, UCLA’s backup quarterback, was arrested on felony assault charges, resulting in his indefinite suspension from the team. Details regarding the weapon involved are undisclosed, and the university is set to evaluate the situation according to their conduct policy. Clarkson, who has yet to play this season, has a bail set at $30,000 and is scheduled for a court appearance. The implications of his arrest could affect the team’s performance as they look to recover from early-season losses.
Los Angeles – UCLA backup quarterback Pierce Clarkson was arrested on a felony charge on Friday, leading to his indefinite suspension from the team. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that Clarkson was arrested on suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon, although details regarding the specific weapon remain undisclosed. Importantly, police have clarified that the weapon involved was not a firearm.
The arrest took place at approximately noon by officers from the LAPD’s Southwest Division. Following the incident, UCLA Athletics announced that Clarkson has been suspended indefinitely, pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings. The university also confirmed that the situation would undergo evaluation by the UCLA Office of Student Conduct, and any subsequent actions will follow university policy.
Clarkson, 21, has been set with a bail amount of $30,000 and is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on October 3. As a redshirt sophomore, Clarkson has yet to play in any games for the UCLA Bruins this season, contributing to their disappointing start, as the team currently holds a record of 0-2 after losses to Utah and UNLV. Starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been active in both of these games.
Prior to joining UCLA, Clarkson spent two seasons at Louisville, where he completed 4-of-6 passes for 18 yards and rushed for 9 yards. He briefly transferred to Ole Miss before committing to UCLA in May. Recognized as a former four-star recruit from St. John Bosco High School, Clarkson was rated as the No. 25 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class. He is also the son of well-known quarterback trainer Steve Clarkson.
The impact of Clarkson’s arrest and subsequent suspension may have significant implications for the UCLA football team as it navigates through a challenging season. The program is currently in need of effective leadership and performance on the field to improve its record. Coach and team officials are likely to monitor the situation closely, balancing the legal aspects of Clarkson’s case with the dynamics of the team moving forward.
In summary, the situation surrounding Pierce Clarkson raises questions not only about the quarterback’s future but also about how the team will adapt in his absence. As UCLA awaits the outcomes of both the court proceedings and the student conduct evaluation, the focus will remain on finding the right strategy to recover from their early season setbacks.
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Beverly Hills High School Principal Announces Departure
Additional Resources
- ESPN
- Los Angeles Times
- CBS Sports
- ABC 7 News
- Daily News
- Wikipedia: UCLA Bruins football
- Google Search: Pierce Clarkson UCLA
- Google Scholar: Pierce Clarkson
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UCLA
- Google News: 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.
