Jeffery Simmons, 5-Star DL, Admitted to Mississippi State: Details, Reaction

Five-star defensive end Jeffery Simmons has been admitted to Mississippi State University, with conditions, after he was charged with misdemeanor assault in March, the school announced Thursday. 

"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," the school wrote in a statement. "Additionally, he will be suspended for the first game of his college career."

According to the Clarion-Ledger's Sarah Fowler, Simmons was formally charged with simple assault and disturbing the peace after a video emerged that showed him striking a woman. 

The school's official statement says Simmons "used physical force against one of those involved in the altercation" after he attempted to break up a fight between his sister and another woman. 

Mississippi State athletic director Scott Stricklin explained why the school admitted Simmons before the charges were resolved: 

"

Based on conversations our staff has had with school, community and church leaders in Noxubee County, this incident appears to be uncharacteristic of Jeffery. 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.

"

Stricklin said the university decided that "five seconds of [a] really poor decision shouldn't preclude him from coming to campus," per Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times.

"I would not express comfort with a situation like that," SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said on Friday, per Brandon Marcello of SEC Country.

Citing a source, Tony Barnhart of the SEC Network reported "Simmons has been told he has no margin for error and will be 'monitored closely.'"

Simmons is No. 19 overall in 247Sports' class of 2016 composite rankings. He is also the top-ranked player in the state of Mississippi and the third-ranked strong-side defensive end in his class. 

Star rankings courtesy of 247Sports.