It looks like Illinois defensive tackle Jarrod Clements will be given a second chance with the team after he was arrested and charged with battery due to a campus fight earlier this year. However, his second chance comes with a signed agreement.
Clements was arrested in March after a fight on campus, but was never charged with anything. However, after he missed a court date in may, he was slapped with a misdemeanor battery charge on a warrant that was never served.
He hired attorney Evan Bruno, who defended former and current Illinois basketball players Kendrick Nunn and Jaylon Tate. Bruno has helped him get past the confusing charge and Clements won’t face any kind of public discipline from the team.
“We are aware of the incident from several months ago involving Jarrod Clements, and I am disappointed in Jarrod’s actions,” Illinois coach Lovie Smith said in a statement. “He has already begun working toward fulfilling the community service hours that were assigned to him by the court. We will reinforce to Jarrod the expectations we have of him as a student-athlete.”
During the 2015 season, Clements was a big part of their defensive line. He recorded 35 tackles, 11.5 of which were for loss. He should be a big part of their team this year as long as he keeps his nose clean.
The Fighting Illini open the 2016 season on Sept. 3 when they host Murray State.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
