Malcolm Simmons Cleared to Participate in Team Activities Following Arrest

On Wednesday, Auburn's head football coach, Hugh Freeze, addressed the media ahead of the Tigers' first day of fall camp. He discussed the eligibility of Auburn's sophomore wide receiver, Malcolm Simmons, following Simmons' arrest on July 16th.

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Freeze was asked about Simmons' status as the team prepared for fall camp, following the sophomore wide receiver's recent arrest in July. Simmons was charged with domestic assault, including strangulation or suffocation, according to court records obtained by AL.com. Opelika police reported that the woman involved was Simmons' girlfriend and noted that they observed bruises on her neck when they responded to the call that evening.

Despite the controversy and the severity of his charges, Freeze made it very clear that Simmons is still on the team and will be facing no suspensions. Freeze told the media on Wednesday, "Based on the information that I’ve been given from our campus administration, who have knowledge of the matter, he’s [Simmons] been cleared to participate in team activities.”

On July 17th, a day after Simmons’ arrest, a spokesperson for the Auburn Athletics department told WSFA 12 News that “we are aware of the situation, are gathering facts, and will address the situation.”

According to a court order filed Wednesday morning, Simmons' preliminary hearing is now scheduled for Friday, August 8th, at 9 a.m., instead of the previously set date of August 13th.

Currently, Simmons is set to take the field with the Tigers as they face off against Baylor on Friday, August 29th, at McLane Stadium for Auburn's season opener.

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