New UCF starting Quarterback KJ Jefferson took a major step towards accountability on Wednesday, appearing in a Fayetteville, Arkansas court regarding a May 2023 infraction. He was booked and released within the same hour for the offense which occurred last year, before Jefferson entered the transfer portal.
Jefferson was arrested on May 18, 2023 after being pulled over for driving 100 mph on an Arkansas interstate. Arkansas, like most states, has a 70 mph speed limit on major highways and interstates, placing his speed at 30 mph over the limit. In the state of Arkansas, anything beyond 20 mph over the posted speed limit is deemed Reckless Driving, hence the arrest.
UCF Head Coach Gus Malzahn released a statement to the media, saying “I have been fully aware of this situation that took place in May 2023 prior to his arrival. Since KJ has been here, he’s been a great leader and an exemplary member of our program.”
The portal transfer standout traveled to Arkansas on Tuesday and appeared at the Fayetteville municipal complex on Wednesday to face the music. The court accepted a plea on the infraction and sentenced KJ to three days community service, which Jefferson posted about on a social media video…
Jefferson explained: “I came back to Fayetteville only because I had court and to pay my fine and everything for speeding.” He continued, “I take full accountability for my actions, what I did. But all that extra stuff about ‘KJ did this’ and all these narratives y’all trying to paint, that’s not true.”
KJ Jefferson clears the air via his IG story: pic.twitter.com/t95dk1PRW9
— Barstool UCF (@UCFStool) April 17, 2024
Providing Jefferson completes his ordered community service, this will ultimately end the matter, allowing the new QB of the Knights to shift his focus back to football. Jefferson entered the transfer portal after spending his sophomore and junior season at Arkansas, where he set multiple school records, including passing yards and touchdowns. He passed for an eye-watering 7,923 yards and tossed 67 touchdowns in two full seasons as the starter for the Razorbacks. Entering his senior year, there’s a buzz about Jefferson that has the Knights primed to make big moves in the Big 12.
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