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The Auburn Tigers are dealing with a serious off-field issue just weeks before the 2025 college football season kicks off. Sophomore wide receiver Malcolm Simmons was arrested in Lee County on a felony charge of domestic violence involving strangulation or suffocation. The arrest is another concerning development for Auburn under head coach Hugh Freeze, as the program’s offseason troubles begin to mount.
According to On3’s Caleb Jones, Simmons was booked into Lee County Jail at 6:20 p.m. CST on Wednesday, with bond set at $20,000. The 20-year-old Auburn wide receiver was emerging as a rising star in the SEC after a strong freshman campaign in 2024, recording 40 receptions for 451 yards and three touchdowns, while also making an impact on special teams.
The arrest is not Auburn’s first legal issue this month. Earlier this July, linebacker DJ Barber was arrested on drug trafficking charges and dismissed from the team within 48 hours. Two player arrests in less than two weeks have cast a spotlight on player conduct, oversight, and program culture under Freeze — a coach brought in to engineer a turnaround both on the field and within the locker room.
The severity of Simmons' charge—domestic assault by strangulation—is significant. This isn’t a minor infraction. In many jurisdictions, such charges are considered felony-level offenses, and they often carry heightened penalties due to the nature of physical harm and risk involved. If convicted, Simmons faces potential prison time and almost certain removal from the Auburn roster.
This creates a major problem for the Tigers’ offense heading into the fall. Simmons was expected to play a key role in the passing game, especially with a developing quarterback room looking for reliable targets. Now, the Tigers may be forced to shift offensive plans or rely on unproven talent to fill the gap.
The timing is damaging for recruiting as well. SEC football programs are constantly battling for top-tier talent, and issues like this provide ammunition for rivals to question Auburn’s discipline and leadership. Recruits and their families weigh both development and program culture—and this incident threatens the Tigers' credibility on both fronts.
No public disciplinary action has been announced yet, but pressure is mounting for Freeze and Auburn administrators to act decisively. With the spotlight already on NIL deals, transfer portal ethics, and player behavior, the university’s next move will set the tone for the rest of the season and perhaps beyond.
For a program trying to rebuild its image and return to SEC prominence, the Simmons arrest is a gut punch. What started as a hopeful second season under Freeze is now under fire from all angles. The Tigers have a decision to make—and not much time to make it.
