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Report: WSU Police recommending felony charges for USC player accused of assaulting a Cougars fan

Washington State offensive lineman Cody O'Connell (76) blocks Southern California defensive lineman Liam Jimmons (93) during the first half of a game on Sept. 29. Multiple videos showed Jimmons leveling a WSU fan in the moments after the game and the USC player could now face felony charges. (Young Kwak / Associated Press)
By Theo Lawson theol@spokesman.com(509) 459-5584

PULLMAN – Washington State University Police has reportedly recommended felony charges for the USC football player who was seen violently shoving a fan to the turf in the moments following a Sept. 29 football game between the Trojans and Cougars.

Multiple cell phone videos show a USC player knocking a fan to the ground as he was leaving the playing field. Thousands of WSU fans charged onto the turf after the game, a 30-27 WSU upset victory over the Trojans, who were the fifth-ranked team in the country.

Pullman Radio News first reported that WSU police would be suggesting second-degree felony assault charges against the USC player, who believe is redshirt freshman defensive lineman Liam Jimmons. The Whitman County Prosecutor’s Office has inherited the case from WSU Police and will be responsible for deciding what charges are appropriate.

According to Pullman Radio News, WSU Police reported that the student who was shoved has been to the hospital multiple times with a possible concussion.

USC coach Clay Helton said four days after the game he was aware of the situation and would handle any discipline internally. Reporters noticed Jimmons doing up-downs at the end of USC’s first practice following the Sept. 29 game.

Jimmons has played in five games this season, but didn’t play for the Trojans the following week against Oregon State. He was listed on USC’s participation report in the next three games.

WSU Police didn’t immediately respond to a phone call from The Spokesman-Review Friday afternoon.