Auburn Tigers WR Malcolm Simmons is back in the headlines, this time for a possible second chance. After his arrest on a serious domestic assault charge, new developments suggest Simmons may be catching a break that could keep his football future alive and potentially make a significant impact on the team.
Legal Pressure Eases in Malcolm Simmons Domestic Violence Case
Simmons was arrested Wednesday evening, July 16, on a serious charge of domestic violence involving strangulation or suffocation, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. He was booked at 6:20 p.m. and held on a $20,000 bond.
While details remain scarce, there’s a glimmer of hope for the Auburn faithful. Simmons is no longer listed in the Lee County Sheriff’s database, suggesting he may have posted bail and been released. This could keep him in play for the Tigers’ upcoming campaign.
Malcolm Simmons is no longer listed on Lee County Sheriff’s website. Interested to hear more on what happened. pic.twitter.com/noxW2Xok3a
— WarDamnResearcher🦅✈️🦡 (@WarDamnResearch) July 17, 2025
Simmons is now the second Auburn football player to face legal trouble in July. Just last week, linebacker D.J. Barber was dismissed from the team after being arrested on multiple drug-related charges, including marijuana trafficking.
The back-to-back incidents have cast a shadow over the Tigers’ offseason and raised concerns about discipline within the program.
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Simmons, the four-star talent out of Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, pledged his commitment to Auburn during Big Cat Weekend on July 29, 2023. Ranked No. 365 nationally and 19th in Alabama by the 247Sports Composite, Simmons was a key pickup for HC Hugh Freeze’s 2024 class.
He wasted no time making an impact in his freshman campaign. He tallied 40 receptions for 451 yards and three touchdowns. This includes a breakout debut against Alabama A&M, where he racked up 91 yards and a score on just three catches.
His precision in short-yardage scenarios was unmatched; 32 of his grabs came on plays under 10 yards, showcasing his reliability and route-running finesse.
But Simmons wasn’t just a possession receiver; he also delivered explosive plays, hauling in six passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns on intermediate routes between 10 and 19 yards.
Coach Freeze spotlighted Simmons at SEC Media Days, calling this year’s receiving corps potentially his best since his Ole Miss days.
At 6’ and 175 pounds, Simmons fits the mold of an actual slot receiver: quick, elusive, and dangerous in space. His skill set complements outside playmaker Cam Coleman and adds another layer of versatility alongside Georgia Tech transfer Eric Singleton Jr.
Simmons is expected to remain a starter as Auburn’s staff looks to unlock more of his electric potential. During spring camp, he emphasized improving his route discipline and technical fundamentals, areas that could elevate him from reliable to game-breaking.
If the Tigers can consistently get the ball in his hands with room to operate, Simmons and Singleton could become one of the SEC’s most explosive duos, stretching defenses and creating mismatches all season long.
