Mississippi State recruit apologizes after violent video surfaces

Mississippi State four-star recruit Jeffery Simmons has apologized after video surfaced of him striking a woman on the ground (warning: video contains disturbing images).

Simmons addressed the incident in a Facebook post Saturday.

Where do I start? Where do I begin? Wow! Decisions, choices and actions should always be carefully thought through when incidents occur. I take full responsibility for my actions that occurred on Thursday evening. My apology goes out to the Taylor family, and especially to Sophia Taylor. What was I thinking? Honestly, I wasn't thinking, all I could think was this is my family and I am supposed to defend my family. Many know my deceased nephews were my pride and joy, I do everything I do in honor of the life they never got the chance to live, and to listen to someone speak so terrible about them really caused me to make choices, decisions and act in a manor that was out of character for me. Is that an excuse? No! I truly hope that you will find it in your hearts to forgive me for my actions. I want to apologize to those who have supported me, those who look up to me, and those who I consider family. I hope that each of you will accept my apology. I was raised in church, I've asked for forgiveness and I pray for God's continued guidance as I move forward in becoming a better person.

Police are reportedly aware of the incident but haven't commented on whether charges will be laid.

Simmons is the highest-ranked recruit in the 2016 Bulldogs class.