Why was KJ Jefferson arrested? Looking at the latest charges against the UCF quarterback

KJ Jefferson left Arkansas this offseason after spending five seasons with the program. The quarterback announced his transfer to UCF on the first day of 2024, where he will play his final season of eligibility in college football. However, that met some stumbling blocks following his recent arrest by the police.

Why was KJ Jefferson arrested?

According to public records, KJ Jefferson was arrested on Wednesday in Arkansas. He was taken into custody for a common misdemeanor related to an alleged reckless driving and speeding incident that occurred in May 2023, as reported by FOX 35 in Orlando.

According to Washington County records, the quarterback was booked at 2:13 p.m. local time and released just 21 minutes later. It was reported that Jefferson was said to have left for Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Tuesday and subsequently turned himself in on Wednesday.

KJ Jefferson has remained in contact with law enforcement ever since. It was decided mutually that he would return to Fayetteville following UCF's spring game for court proceedings. He addressed the incident in a video on his Instagram story following his release.

“That’s why y'all see my mugshot and all of that. I don't know why they did all that stuff for community service. But that's what happened," Jefferson said. "It was a speeding ticket. I came back to Fayetteville only because I had court and to pay my fine and everything for speeding.”

“And I take full accountability for my actions and what I did. You know what I'm saying. All that extra stuff about ‘KJ did this,' and he – all these narratives y’all trying to plant, that's not true, bro. Alright. I had a speeding ticket.”

Reaction at UCF to the incident

UCF head coach Gus Malzahn has confirmed his awareness about the current situation of his new quarterback. The coach said Jefferson has been of good behavior since arriving at the program this offseason.

"I have been fully aware of this situation that took place in May 2023 prior to his arrival at UCF," UCF head coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement to FOX 35. "Since KJ has been here, he's been a great leader and an exemplary member of our program."

KJ Jefferson is still expected to lead the Knights’ offense in the upcoming season. Over the past five seasons, he made 38 starts for the Razorbacks, accumulating a total of 7,923 passing yards and 67 touchdowns.