 "Photo: BLAIR LOCKHART / The Daily Reveille")
LSU senior quarterback Jordan Jefferson was reinstated to the football team Wednesday after a grand jury reduced felony second-degree battery charges against him.
The grand jury reduced Jefferson's charge to misdemeanor simple battery. The grand jury also cleared sophomore linebacker Josh Johns of all charges.
According to Louisiana code, simple battery is the intentional use of force or violence on another person. Those charged with simple battery cannot be fined more than $1,000 or imprisoned for more than six months.
LSU coach Les Miles said he will reinstate Jefferson and Johns immediately and both will begin practicing today. Jefferson and Johns were suspended Aug. 26 following their arrest after an altercation at Shady's Bar on Aug. 19.
"There wasn't any hesitation [to reinstate them]," Miles said. "It didn't appear to me there was any hesitation on the administration's part either. There's a point in time where society deems that the charge level is one that's not so significant, and that was done [Wednesday] by way of a grand jury."
Miles said senior quarterback Jarrett Lee remains the starter and Jefferson will return as the No. 2 quarterback. Miles did not rule out playing Jefferson against Kentucky on Saturday.
"If he continues to do the things he's always done, then he will get onto the field," Miles said.
Miles mentioned the possibility of using Lee and Jefferson in a similar manner to last season. He also referenced the national championship season of 2007 when Matt Flynn started and Ryan Perrilloux saw time in specific packages.
"In the time we did win the national championship, we needed two quality quarterbacks," Miles said. "We're better at quarterback than we've ever been."
The grand jury began hearing testimonies from witnesses Sept. 21 and concluded its proceedings Wednesday. After a brief deliberation, the jury gave its verdict to Commissioner John Smart, who sat in for Judge Bonnie Jackson.
Both Jefferson and Johns testified in front of the grand jury Wednesday. The jury also heard testimonies of football players including Lavar Edwards, Derrick Bryant and Evan Washington. First Assistant District Attorney Prem Burns did not comment on the details of Jefferson's testimony, except to say Jefferson's counsel presented him to testify.
Jefferson's attorney Lewis Unglesby said he believes Jefferson's celebrity clouded the investigation. Under normal circumstances, the case would have ended in a pretrial diversion class, he said.
Jefferson will receive a notice of arraignment within a couple of weeks. At that time, Jefferson's counsel will select a date for his arraignment.
"When the police make an accusation that is fundamentally wrong, then it's real hard to pull it all the way back," Unglesby said.
Unglesby affirmed Jefferson's innocence and said his client will not be convicted.
"There's no evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to even think about it," Unglesby said. "The grand jury's standard is much lower than reasonable doubt. I guess they thought they met that standard by virtue of an accusation."
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Contact Hunter Paniagua at hpaniagua@lsureveille.com
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