University of Central Florida (UCF) quarterback KJ Jefferson appeared in court after turning himself in to Arkansas police Wednesday afternoon for a reckless driving charge from May 2023, The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported.
The 22-year-old agreed with Fayetteville Police to appear in court after UCF’s spring football game and faced a misdemeanor charge for allegedly driving 100 miles per hour in a 70 mph zone, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Jefferson, who transferred from Arkansas to UCF in January, was charged with reckless driving since he allegedly exceeded the speed limit by more than 20 mph, the outlet reported. (RELATED: NFL Receiver Rashee Rice Allegedly Fled Scene After After High-Speed Hit-And-Run Involving Child)
UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson arrested in Arkansas https://t.co/vhw5iuRTLU
— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) April 18, 2024
“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,” UCF coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement.
More from KJ via Instagram:
“I came to Fayetteville because my court date was today. I got a speeding ticket last year in May before the season… They took me down to the court, I ended up getting three days of community service. That’s why y’all are seeing my mug shot.… https://t.co/xX5btvmsAg pic.twitter.com/oL9tMbJfwB
— Brandon Helwig (@UCFSports) April 17, 2024
Jefferson, who reportedly has no prior arrests, was quickly released after being booked Wednesday, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal.
A university spokesman said that Jefferson will complete three days of community service before returning to Orlando in a few weeks, the outlet reported.
“I came back to Fayetteville only because I had a court date and to pay my fine and everything for speeding and all that,” Jefferson said. “I take full accountability for my actions and what I did. But all the extra stuff about, ‘KJ did this,’ and all these narratives that y’all are trying to paint, that’s not true, bro. I had a speeding ticket.”
Before transferring to UCF, Jefferson was a standout at Arkansas. In over five seasons, he made 38 starts for the Razorbacks, throwing 86 touchdowns and passing for 7,911 yards, according to the outlet.