Ole Miss coach Pete Golding hit the ground running after succeeding former Rebels coach Lane Kiffin just before a College Football Playoff run last year. After a respectable showing in the playoffs, Golding was aggressive in the January transfer portal as he recruited the No. 14-ranked class in the country.
One of the players recruited by Golding was former LSU offensive lineman Carius Curne, who was arrested on Saturday by Arkansas State Police on six charges.
Pete Golding Addresses Carius Curne’s Arrest
While speaking to reporters on Monday, Golding weighed in on Curne’s arrest, which has thrown a shadow over the Rebels’ spring preparations.
“Obviously, it’s a legal matter. We’re still gathering information,” Golding said. “So really can’t speak on that right now. But, we’ll let the legal process run its course and see what happens.”
The Rebels’ offensive lineman was arrested on charges of fleeing, reckless driving, speeding, improper lane change, possession of a schedule VI substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked at the Crittenden County Jail before being released a few hours later.
Curne is a former four-star prospect and was the No. 3 offensive tackle and No. 67 overall prospect in the class of 2024, according to 247Sports. He initially committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks before decommitting and opting for the LSU Tigers instead.
Golding Sends Discipline Message to Rebels Players
In his news conference on Monday, Golding reflected on players making the wrong decisions off the field and how it affects their futures, not only in college football but also their potential draft stocks.
“I think we got a lot of really good leaders in the locker room. I think we got a lot of really good kids, you know what I’m saying? They have really good intentions,” Golding said. “But at the end of the day, they are still young, and there’s a lot of times that people in this room like myself make decisions that we wish we wouldn’t have.
“I think it’s really about understanding what do you have to lose. Some of these people that we associate with don’t and so I think there’s that self-discipline piece, and that’s hard. That they read how good they are. You do all that sh*t, you’re not going in the first round. You know?”
According to a report by “Rebel Walk,” court documents indicate that three charges against Curne (improper passing, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance) were dismissed. In addition, the Ole Miss offensive lineman entered a no-contest plea on three further charges and paid a fine of $2,150.
