Pierce Clarkson arrest: UCLA releases statement, suspends backup QB indefinitely

UCLA has released a statement announcing the suspension of backup quarterback Pierce Clarkson after his arrest. The Los Angeles Times reported Sunday that Clarkson had been arrested on Friday on a felony charge.

The statement from the Bruins revealed that Clarkson has been suspended indefinitely. Further details on the charges are not yet available as of this writing.

“We are aware of the charges against Pierce Clarkson,” the UCLA statement read. “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 has played very sparingly through two seasons and change. He attempted just two passes as a true freshman in 2023, then attempted only four in his second season in 2024.

In that span, Pierce Clarkson went 4-of-6 passing for 18 yards. He did not throw a touchdown or an interception. He also ran five times for nine yards.

So far this season, Clarkson has not contributed for the Bruins. He is the backup to Nico Iamaleava, who transferred into the program this offseason from Tennessee.

Nico Iamaleava throws game-sealing interception to Aamaris Brown, loses to Dan Mullen-led UNLV team

Two weeks into his UCLA tenure, Nico Iamaleava cannot be enjoying his time. Saturday was another loss for the Bruins and the quarterback played a major role. Down seven inside a minute to go, UCLA was driving down the field looking to at least force overtime.

Instead, Iamaleava wound up throwing the game-sealing interception. His pass was deflected at the line of scrimmage and soared into the air like a flyball to centerfield. A UNLV defender, Aamaris Brown, got under the ball, secured the INT, and the party was on.

Which brings you to the other side of the story — Dan Mullen. Hired by UNLV out of the ESPN studios, the Rebels are now 3-0 under Mullen’s leadership. A first down and a couple of kneel downs were required after the turnover but the execution was flawless.

Adding another layer, Brown’s play backed up some trash talking he did earlier in the week. The UNLV linebacker was asked about Iamaleava and revealed “nothing” stands out about the quarterback. Quite the message to send on a Monday, only to deliver a few days later.

“Honestly, nothing really sticks out to me about him [on tape],” Brown said. “You know in the past there’s been talk about ‘five-star this, five-star that.’ I have been around plenty of five-star and four-star [players], it don’t scare me.

“I have played competition higher than them, including Alabama and all that. … Going against a guy like Nico, there’s no surprise, no excitement or nothing like that.”