A tough week for Southern Miss just got a little worse.
One day after it was announced that coach Ellis Johnson was fired after one 0-12 season, one of the team’s most promising young players was arrested in connection to a fight near the USM campus. Quarterback Anthony Alford was arrested and charged with aggravated assault Wednesday. Another student, Korey Hathorn, was charged with felony possession of a weapon.
Per the Sun-Herald, “The incident occurred near the campus’ Walker Science Building about 11 a.m. Wednesday, when University Police responded to a call of an altercation involving about four individuals, including two nonstudents. While responding to the incident, a University police officer observed Hathorn near the scene in possession of a handgun. Hathorn, who is believed to be a part of the fight, was taken into custody without incident and his weapon recovered.”
A statement from Southern Miss said the university was aware of the situation and was supporting “prescribed due process.” Alford has been suspended in the meantime.
Alford played in nine games this season, throwing for 664 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions.