Former University of Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson turned himself in to Fayetteville Police on Wednesday to address a misdemeanor speeding ticket he got almost a year ago for allegedly driving at 113 mph. This occurred before he transferred to the University of Central Florida. UCF Coach Gus Malzahn, Jefferson’s former high school coach in Arkansas and UA offensive coordinator, issued a statement acknowledging Jefferson’s situation in Northwest Arkansas.
Arkansas State Police public information officer Cindy Murphy stated that Jefferson received a citation on May 18, 2023, for driving his 2019 Dodge Challenger at 113 mph in a 70-mph zone on southbound Interstate 49 in Washington County. The citation was issued at 11:20 p.m. that night, citing speeding more than 15 mph over the limit and reckless driving.
Jefferson was booked into the Washington County Detention Center at 2:13 p.m. on Wednesday and was released without bail at 2:34 p.m., according to detention center records.
Jefferson took to Instagram on Wednesday afternoon to address the situation. He explained, “I got a speeding ticket last year in May before the season. Today was my court day… I ended up getting three days of community service. That’s why y’all see my mug shot and all that.” He clarified that he returned to Fayetteville solely for court and to settle the speeding fine. Jefferson took full responsibility for his actions but emphasized that other narratives about him were not true.
The Rivals site that covers UCF reported Jefferson stayed in communication with law enforcement officials in Northwest Arkansas and with UCF personnel and had arranged to return to Fayetteville to begin clearing it up after the Golden Knights’ spring football game, which was played Friday.
Malzahn released a statement that read, “I have been fully aware of this situation that took place in May 2023 prior to his arrival at UCF. Since KJ has been here, he’s been a great leader and an exemplary member of our program.”
UCF’s Rivals site also reported the arrest will not impact Jefferson’s status with the Golden Knights.
Jefferson passed for 271 yards and two touchdowns to lead his ’Nauts side to a 26-7 win over the Knights in UCF’s spring game last Friday.
Jefferson broke a handful of Arkansas career records in his 44 games, including 7,911 passing yards, 88 combined passing and rushing touchdowns, and 67 touchdown passes.
The 6-3 native of Sardis, Miss., who was one of only two three-time captains at Arkansas, completed 626 of 962 passes (65.1%) for 7,911 yards with 67 touchdowns and 18 interceptions with the Razorbacks. He also had 523 rushing attempts for 1,876 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Jefferson played at around 250 pounds for the Razorbacks as a senior and his booking information Wednesday listed him at 266 pounds.
