Simmons allowed to enroll at MSU, with conditions

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Jeffery Simmons, a recent graduate of Noxubee County High School in Macon, Miss., who in February signed a national letter of intent to play football at Mississippi State, has been allowed to enroll at the university for summer school and participate in football activities, with conditions.

Simmons is awaiting final resolution on misdemeanor charges where, in an effort to break up a domestic fight between his sister and another adult woman, he used physical force against one of those involved in the altercation.

After careful assessment, the MSU athletics department has determined Simmons may be a part of the football team, but he will be evaluated by the licensed professionals at the university’s Student Counseling Services and be required to complete any program prescribed by that office. Additionally, he will be suspended for the first game of his college career.

“Based on conversations our staff has had with school, community and church leaders in Noxubee County, this incident appears to be uncharacteristic of Jeffery,” MSU Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin said. “It’s a highly unique circumstance to administer discipline to a student for an incident that occurred prior to that individual joining our university. However, it’s important that Jeffery and other potential MSU students understand that these type of actions and poor decisions are not acceptable.

“We expect the structure and discipline Jeffery will be a part of in our football program to benefit him. Jeffery will be held accountable for his actions while at MSU, and there will be consequences for any future incidents.”

Simmons joins eight other true freshmen who are enrolled for the first term of the summer semester at Mississippi State, including Korey Charles of Tallahassee, Florida; Jamal Couch of Phenix City, Alabama; Greg Eiland of Philadelphia, Mississippi; Kobe Jones of Starkville, Mississippi; Stewart Reese of Fort Pierce, Florida; Marquiss Spencer of Greenwood, Mississippi; Jordan Thomas of Decatur, Mississippi; and Erroll Thompson of Florence, Alabama. Classes began today.

The Bulldogs report for preseason camp on Monday, Aug. 1 before going through their first practice on Tuesday, Aug. 2. MSU opens the 2016 season against South Alabama on Sept. 3 in Davis Wade Stadium.