STARKVILLE — Mississippi State defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons stepped into the office of the then-athletic director Scott Stricklin with no counterargument to offer.
At the time, Simmons had one of the most discussed names in college football for all the wrong reasons: video of him beating a woman led to charges, one malicious mischief for which he was found guilty, a simple assault charge he plead no contest and a disturbing the peace charge that was dropped.
“They let me into the program,” Simmons said, “so there was no sense in me fighting what they did.”
The conclusion from Stricklin was a one-game suspension and additional monitoring from the program after that one game; it was met with widespread criticism from around the nation.
Thus began Simmons’ year of mea culpa. It met one of its final stages Tuesday night in his first appearance in front of the media after MSU’s third practice of the spring.
“I live and learn,” Simmons said. “If I could go back and relive it all, I’d do it over again and don’t do what I did. I regret doing it, but you have to live and learn from it.”
The first step was coming to a full realization of his actions, one that was not achieved until he saw the video that sparked the controversy.
“During the time, I didn’t really know I did that,” Simmons said. “When I watched the video, I kind of had a mental breakdown, like, ‘Dang, this can’t be true.’ I gave it to God.
“Basically, I just used the help of my teammates and everybody around this university to help me. I thank Coach Mullen, he was one of my leaders telling me that everything is going to be good.”
As his season began one week later than that of his teammates, things worked their way toward good. His first play of the season, against South Carolina, ended with a tackle for loss: he ended the season with 40 tackles, eight of them sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Simmons may be more proud of an off-field accomplishment in that time: a perfect 4.0 grade point average. He seemed enthusiastic about continuing his 4.0 in the spring semester, not only for its own merit but also its meaning for his perception.
“With them looking at me off of one incident, I really stayed focused in the classroom,” Simmons said. “It’s had people be quiet, you know, this guy is really about this business.”
A year after being lightning rod, the energy he attracts now is generally of a positive energy: in a defensive line group with an abundance of newcomers in spring practice via junior college signees, Simmons is now one of few showing the ropes to the new additions.
He recognizes a sophomore being in such a leadership position — particularly when addressing players older than he is — is atypical, but like the many challenges of the past year, it’s one he has embraced.
“I have a lot to work on this offseason,” Simmons said.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.