Reserve UCLA quarterback suspended after felony arrest

Pierce Clarkson
Pierce Clarkson Photo credit UCLA Athletics

UCLA redshirt sophomore quarterback Pierce Clarkson is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 3 in connection with a felony allegation of assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily harm.

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Clarkson, 21, was arrested at noon Friday by officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's Southwest Division and booked about three hours later at the LAPD's 77th Street Community Police Station, according to sheriff's inmate records.

Bail was set at $30,000, and he was released after posting bond at 7:30 that night, records show.

Police did not disclose the nature of the crime that Clarkson is alleged to have committed, but according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Inmate Information Center, Clarkson was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily harm, a felony.

UCLA Athletics released a statement Sunday stating: "We are aware of the charges against Pierce Clarkson," adding, "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."

Clarkson did not play in either of UCLA's two games this season. He began his college career at Louisville in 2023 completing 4-of-6 passes for 18 yards and running for nine yards on five carries in three games over two seasons.

Clarkson spent this spring at Mississippi before transferring to UCLA.

Clarkson led St. John Bosco High School to the 2022 Southern Section Division 1 championship, throwing 26 touchdown passes and running for five scores, according to the high school sports website MaxPreps.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: UCLA Athletics