Hugh Freeze reveals latest on status of Malcolm Simmons following domestic violence arrest

As Auburn gets set for the start of fall camp, it will reportedly do so with receiver Malcolm Simmons available. Simmons was arrested and charged with domestic assault with strangulation or suffocation on July 16.

Head coach Hugh Freeze addressed Simmons’ status on Wednesday morning. Justin Ferguson of The Auburn Observer reported the latest.

“Based on the information that I’ve been given by campus administrators…” Freeze said, “he’s been cleared to participate in team activities.”

Malcolm Simmons is not the only run-in with the law an Auburn player has had this offseason, though he’s certainly a high-profile one. As a freshman in 2024, Simmons caught 40 passes for 451 yards and three touchdowns.

He was expected to be a strong option rounding out a receiving corps that has plenty of answers. Former five-star prospect Cam Coleman leads the group, while Georgia Tech receiver transfer Eric Singleton was also a huge offseason addition.

CBS Sports ranked the Auburn receiving corps as the No. 4 unit in the nation in its offseason position rankings this summer. The group should still be very strong with or without Simmons, but having the talented youngster back would go a long way.

Details on Malcolm Simmons’ arrest have been scant so far. He was initially released on $20,000 bond. According to Adam Cole of the Montgomery Advertiser, Alabama state law states the charge of domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation is a Class B felony. A defendant facing such a charge could be handed a prison sentence between two and 20 years, including a fine of up to $30,000 upon conviction.

Before college, Simmons was a four-star recruit according to the On3 Industry Rankings, which is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services. He was the No. 190 overall player in the 2024 class and No. 11 player from the state of Alabama.

Malcolm Simmons’ arrest came shortly after Auburn linebacker D’Angelo Barber was arrested on July 7 on felony drug trafficking charges following a traffic stop in Dadeville. Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force discovered 2.5 pounds of marijuana and a gun in his 2019 GMC Yukon XL stopped along Highway 280.

Barber, 19, was charged with trafficking marijuana, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force press release provided by the Alex City Outlook.

It was ultimately revealed that Tallapoosa County investigators recovered 2.5 pounds of marijuana, THC vapes, digital scales, marijuana packaging, a Glock 19 9mmm pistol and $1,897 in cash following the traffic stop, per the Outlook.

On3’s Barkley Truax also contribute to this report.