WATCH: DeShaun Foster addresses tumultuous weekend for UCLA
UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster had more serious matters on his hands Monday coming off a weekend loss that dropped the Bruins to 0-2 to start the season.
Foster shared his first comments since news of reserve quarterback Pierce Clarkson’s arrest on felony charges first surfaced Sunday evening.
“I think the statement was sent to everybody. I can’t really address that issue due to the legal process and everything, but I understand you guys have to ask,” Foster said. “But it’s just a situation that we’re gonna let the legal process take its course.”
After reports surfaced, UCLA Athletics issued a statement that said Clarkson was suspended from all team activities, and the situation would be evaluated by the UCLA Office of Student Conduct.
“Any further action taken will be in accordance with that evaluation and university policy,” the statement said.
Foster confirmed that Clarkson’s indefinite absence from team activities also extends to his presence at the Wasserman Football Center team facility.
Before Monday morning’s practice, the Los Angeles Times reported that Clarkson’s charge is for assault with a deadly weapon — not a firearm — with great bodily injury.
Clarkson was arrested Friday at noon by the Los Angeles Police Department. His bail was set at $30,000 and he was released the same day.
Clarkson, who did not travel with the team for Saturday’s 30-23 loss to UNLV in Las Vegas, is scheduled to appear in Los Angeles Municipal Court on Oct. 3.
WR Kwazi Gilmer limited in practice
UCLA wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer stood stationary while catching passes in the early periods of practice. Otherwise, he was mostly limited two days after making a game-high eight catches for 87 yards in the loss.
On the potential game-tying drive, Gilmer took a big hit while securing a catch along the sideline.
Foster, though, said Gilmer’s limited participation had to do with the data from the Catapult wear-and-tear technology worn by the players.
“No, he’s okay,” Foster said. “It was just more he’s running hot. He had coming off an ankle [injury], it’s just a lot of running for him — in a short week. It’s a short week.”
The Bruins have one less day to prepare for Friday’s game against New Mexico at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
DeShaun Foster media availability after practice (9/8)
Watch Foster’s full press conference below, including his review of the film against UNLV, and more:
