STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football freshman John Michael Hankerson has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities after being arrested for simple assault and trespassing Wednesday, MSU coach Dan Mullen announced Thursday.
“We are aware of the incident involving John Michael Hankerson,” Mullen said in a statement released by the school. “We will continue to gather more information.”
MSU chief communications officer Sid Salter said the incident involved an alleged altercation with another student, but he didn’t offer any further comment or details on the case. According to MSU police, there was a warrant out for Hankerson’s arrest and he turned himself in at the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office at 6:18 p.m. Wednesday. His bond was set at $1,000. He was bonded out Wednesday.
No other information was released by either MSU police or the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office.
Simple assault is a misdemeanor in the state of Mississippi.
Hankerson, a defensive back, hasn’t played this season and is being redshirted. The South Bend, Indiana, native had 27 catches for 527 yards and eight touchdowns and 77 tackles and two interceptions as a senior in 2015 at Washington High School.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.
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 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.