UCLA quarterback Pierce Clarkson suspended after felony arrest

UCLA QB arrested for felony incident

Pierce Clarkson, a backup quarterback for UCLA, was arrested over the weekend for a felony incident believed to be possible domestic violence, a source familiar with the situation tells FOX 11.

LOS ANGELES - A quarterback who recently joined UCLA was booked over the weekend for an alleged felony incident.

What we know:

According to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's arrest records, 21-year-old Pierce Clarkson was arrested on Friday, September 5. 

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. A source told FOX 11 that the incident may have been a domestic violence situation.

Clarkson was released on $30,000 bail, according to LASD's arrest records page.

What we don't know:

It is unknown what led to Clarkson's arrest. No announcements have been made regarding the incident that led to the UCLA reserve quarterback getting arrested.

What they're saying:

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."

The backstory:

Clarkson joined UCLA for the 2025 NCAA football season after briefly spending the spring offseason at Ole Miss. Prior to Ole Miss, he suited up for two seasons for Louisville, playing a total of three games as a backup quarterback.

As of September 7, Clarkson has not played a single regular-season down for the Bruins as Nico Iamaleava is the team's starting quarterback.

What's next:

Clarkson has a court hearing on October 3.