UCLA Quarterback Pierce Clarkson Arrested on Felony Charge, Suspended From Team
UCLA backup quarterback Pierce Clarkson has been suspended from the team following his arrest on a felony charge last Friday in Los Angeles. The 21-year-old athlete was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department and subsequently released after posting a $30,000 bail. While official records did not specify the exact charge, the Los Angeles Times reported that Clarkson was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury. Police confirmed that the weapon involved was not a firearm. This troubling development marks a significant setback for the young quarterback who had been hoping to make his mark with the Bruins this season.
The UCLA athletics department responded swiftly to the situation, releasing a statement confirming Clarkson’s indefinite suspension from all team activities. “We are aware of the charges against Pierce Clarkson,” the statement read. “He has been indefinitely suspended from all team activity pending the outcome of the legal process.” The university further explained that the UCLA Office of Student Conduct would be evaluating the situation, and any additional disciplinary actions would be determined according to their assessment and university policy. This approach highlights the institution’s commitment to maintaining appropriate standards of conduct while also ensuring due process for the student-athlete involved.
Clarkson, the son of renowned quarterback trainer Steve Clarkson, is no stranger to the collegiate football landscape. Before joining UCLA, he spent two seasons at Louisville as a backup quarterback, where his playing time was limited to just three appearances. During his brief time on the field for Louisville, he completed 4 of 6 pass attempts for 18 yards and recorded 9 rushing yards on five attempts. After leaving Louisville, Clarkson briefly joined Ole Miss during spring 2023 before ultimately making his way to UCLA. The California native from Bellflower had yet to take the field for the Bruins this season before his arrest and suspension, leaving his collegiate athletic future in serious jeopardy.
The timing of this incident is particularly unfortunate for Clarkson, who was looking to establish himself within the UCLA program after several transitions between schools. As a backup quarterback, he was working to climb the depth chart and potentially earn playing time with the Bruins. Instead, he now faces not only legal challenges but also potential academic and athletic consequences from the university. According to court records, Clarkson is scheduled to appear in court next month to address the charges against him, a date that will likely determine much about his future both on and off the field.
This case represents yet another instance of a collegiate athlete facing serious legal issues that threaten to derail not only their athletic career but also their academic progress. The UCLA administration’s decision to suspend Clarkson indefinitely demonstrates the seriousness with which universities now approach allegations of criminal behavior by student-athletes. With increased scrutiny on how educational institutions handle such situations, UCLA’s measured response—suspending the player while awaiting the outcome of legal proceedings—reflects the complex balance between presumption of innocence and maintaining community standards.
For Clarkson, whose father Steve has trained many successful quarterbacks, this incident marks a critical juncture in his young life. Beyond the immediate legal consequences, he faces potential long-term impacts on his collegiate athletic career and professional prospects. The charge of assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury carries significant penalties if he is convicted. As the legal process unfolds, both Clarkson and UCLA will need to navigate the complexities of university disciplinary procedures alongside the criminal justice system. For now, the young quarterback’s future remains uncertain as he prepares for his court appearance next month, while the Bruins team continues its season without him.
