DT Jeffrey Simmons, WR Preston Williams won't be invited to combine because of previous violence against women
Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and Colorado State receiver Preston Williams will not be invited to the upcoming NFL scouting combine because each had previous incidents of violence against women, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Simmons is considered a possible top-10 pick as a player, but has this red flag. In March 2016, just before he enrolled in school, video showed Simmons punching a woman several times as she lay in a street. He eventually was found guilty of malicious intent and pleaded no contest to simple assault; Mississippi State suspended him for one game.
[Ditch the pen and paper on football’s biggest day. Go digital with Squares Pick’em!]
Williams, more of a third-day pick, was suspended in 2017 after an arrest for harassment, tampering and domestic violence involving a former girlfriend. He allegedly shoved her multiple times during an argument, and was arrested again three weeks later after violating a restraining order issued after the first arrest.
He pleaded guilty to the harassment charge last year and received a deferred sentence; other charges were dismissed.
Simmons and Williams are the only prospects reportedly not allowed to attend the combine for past arrests, though invitations can be rescinded after background checks.
More from Yahoo Sports:
• Browns embarrassing 2011 draft attempt revealed
• Kaepernick’s lawyer goes hard on NFL owners, Trump
• Rams star gives janitor a once-in-a-lifetime gift
• Wetzel: Brady wins even if he’s the biggest loser
