Mississippi State signee Nathaniel Watson arrested after alleged drag race

A Mississippi State football signee was arrested on Friday after an alleged drag race caused injuries to a passenger and damage to public property.

Maplesville (Alabama) linebacker Nathaniel Watson, who inked with the Bulldogs on national signing day, was charged with first-degree assault (a felony) and traffic violations in relation to a traffic incident on Feb. 1. The Clanton Advertiser first reported the news.

“We are aware of the vehicle incident involving signee Nathaniel Watson,” Joe Moorhead said in a statement. “We are continuing to collect details on the accident and have no further comment at this time.”

The accident occurred when Tyrone Davis, another Maplesville student, lined up his vehicle in front of the school alongside Watson’s for a race, Maplesville Police said in a statement first obtained by The Clanton Advertiser. As the racing cars topped a hill, an oncoming car caused Watson to swerve and lose control, striking a power pole, cutting it in half and knocking out power in portions of the town, police said.

Davis was also arrested, and both drivers had passengers in their cars. The passenger of Watson’s Chevy Impala had several injuries and was airlifted to UAB for treatment, police said. Neither of the drivers’ vehicles was insured.

Watson is a three-star prospect and was ranked as the No. 19 player in Alabama by the 247Sports Composite. He committed to MSU in August. MSU signed the versatile athlete with the hopes of Watson playing either linebacker.

SOURCE:  Sammon, Will.  "Mississippi State signee Nathaniel Watson arrested after alleged drag race." Clarion Ledger, 17 February 2018, https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/mississippi-state/2018/02/17/mississippi-state-signee-nathaniel-watson-arrested-after-alleged-drag-race/347919002/.