Arkansas fullback arrested on misdemeanor battery charge

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - The day after Arkansas coach Houston Nutt explained that sophomore Brandon Kennedy could start at fullback due to the absence of Mark Pierce, Kennedy was cited for misdemeanor battery. <br> <br> Kennedy, 19, surrendered Wednesday to Fayetteville police and was released without bond on the third-degree battery charge, police said. <br> <br> Nutt was not immediately available to comment on Kennedy&#39;s status following the arrest. <br> <br> Kennedy told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that the charge grew from a June 26 traffic dispute. Kennedy said he was involved in an altercation with another motorist at an apartment complex parking lot. <br> <br> Kennedy said he and his three passengers Arkansas linebackers Lucas Jackson and Desmond Sims and running back John Johnson were pulling out of a parking place when the disagreement began. <br> <br> Before the charge, Nutt said Kennedy would start in place of Pierce if Pierce did not return to the team. Nutt said Pierce left the team to deal with personal issues and said he had no indication whether Pierce would be back for pre-season drills that start next month. <br> <br> Last year in his freshman season, Kennedy saw action in 12 games but handled the ball little; he gained 4 yards on two carries.