Mullen defends Simmons' admission into Mississippi State

Mississippi State's decision to enroll Jeffery Simmons was met with widespread criticism, but head coach Dan Mullen said Tuesday he's "thrilled" to welcome the controversial freshman to the Bulldogs.

"(We) did a massive investigation into everything and talked to all kinds of people, not rushing to judgment on a short video and investigated every aspect of the situation," Mullen told reporters at SEC Media Day. "When we went through all of that, I think everybody involved in looking at it felt he still deserved an opportunity to go to college, get an education, and try to better his life."

Simmons is facing assault charges stemming from an altercation in March, in which a video appeared to show him repeatedly striking a woman. Mississippi State determined in early June that Simmons would be granted conditional enrollment, with a one-game suspension to open the season being part of the deal.

"I wasn't involved much," Mullen said of the one-game ban. "It was a university decision.

"I was thrilled we were having Jeffery as part of our family," he added.

When asked if he should be held responsible should Simmons find himself involved in another violent incident against a woman at Mississippi State, Mullen replied, "We're all responsible."

Simmons heads to Starkville as one of the top defensive-end recruits in the country. He's expected to make an immediate impact - after he sits out the opening game versus South Alabama.