September 9, 2025

UCLA Quarterback Arrested on Assault Charges

News Summary

UCLA backup quarterback Pierce Clarkson was arrested on suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon, leading to immediate disciplinary action and an indefinite suspension from team activities. The Los Angeles Police confirmed the weapon was not a firearm, and Clarkson’s bail was set at $30,000. As he awaits his first court hearing, the UCLA athletic department is taking steps to evaluate the situation per university policy. Clarkson, a former player at Ole Miss and Louisville, has now been restricted from all team facilities during the ongoing legal proceedings.

Los Angeles, CA – Pierce Clarkson, the backup quarterback for UCLA, was arrested on Friday on suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon that resulted in great bodily injury. This incident has prompted immediate disciplinary action, as Clarkson has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities while awaiting the legal proceedings that follow his arrest.

The arrest was carried out by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Southwest Division, which provided initial details about the case. Notably, the weapon associated with the alleged assault was confirmed not to be a firearm, as stated by a public information officer for the LAPD. Bail was set for Clarkson at $30,000, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records. Clarkson is scheduled for his first court hearing on October 3, marking the next step in the ongoing legal situation.

The UCLA athletic department has acknowledged the charges against Clarkson, emphasizing that they are aware of the situation. The department indicated that Clarkson’s circumstances will be thoroughly evaluated by the UCLA Office of Student Conduct and that further action will align with university policy following this review.

Following his arrest, Clarkson did not participate during UCLA’s recent games, including a loss against UNLV, which occurred shortly after his incident. UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster confirmed that Clarkson will be prohibited from entering team facilities until the legal matters are settled and a resolution is reached.

Pierce Clarkson originally joined UCLA after a brief period at Ole Miss in the spring and previously spent two seasons at Louisville. During his time with the Louisville Cardinals, Clarkson had limited opportunities on the field, attempting six passes for a total of 18 yards and rushing five times for nine yards across three games. Despite his previous experiences, Clarkson was viewed as a top backup to UCLA’s starting quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, and was regularly involved in practice, donning a blue jersey which is indicative of his position.

Clarkson is also notable for being the son of renowned quarterback trainer Steve Clarkson, a figure who has coached numerous former NFL quarterbacks, adding a layer of interest to Clarkson’s athletic background.

This incident not only raises concerns about player conduct and accountability at the university level but also emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest. As the legal process unfolds, it remains crucial for both the UCLA community and the wider audience to understand the implications of the charges against Clarkson and the steps being taken by the university to address the matter.

As the situation develops, updates regarding Pierce Clarkson’s legal status and his future with the UCLA football program will be closely monitored, particularly in light of the upcoming court date. The university’s response, alongside the outcomes of Clarkson’s legal proceedings, will serve to guide future actions and reinforce policies surrounding athlete conduct at UCLA.