Yep, let’s reset that “Days Without An Arrest” ticker, shall we? And, for the first time ever, a resetting is triggered by someone who willingly goes by the name of “Chunky.”
On March 4 of this year, the Associated Press is reporting, Illinois defensive lineman Jarrod “Chunky” Clements allegedly punched a man in the face at an on-campus party. What led to the alleged altercation is unclear.
Clements was subsequently charged in late April with misdemeanor battery, and pleaded not guilty to the charge a little over a week ago. Since then, Clements was placed in a program for first-time offenders and, provided Clements satisfies the terms of an agreement, the charge will ultimately be wiped from his record.
From the AP:Clements, a senior defensive lineman, was placed in a program that allows those accused of lower-level crimes to perform community service and have charges reduced or dropped, Champaign County lead prosecutor Troy Lozar said.
Clements was given 20 hours of community service.
The school has confirmed that the lineman will not be suspended as a result of the incident. In response to the development, first-year Illini head coach Lovie Smith released the following statement.
“I am disappointed in Jarrod’s actions. He has already begun working toward fulfilling the community service hours that were assigned to him by the court,” said Smith. “We will reinforce to Jarrod the expectations we have of him as a student-athlete.”
Clements, a senior, is a projected starter along the Illini’s defensive line this season.