USC WR Joseph Lewis arrested for domestic violence, suspended

Joseph Lewis was one of the highest-rated wide receiver recruits in the country when he joined USC last year, but he never really managed to break out as a freshman. Now, his status with the program is in doubt in the wake of an arrest.

According to a police report obtained by USCFootball.com, Lewis was arrested on a domestic violence charge on Monday. He was specifically charged with “corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant,” which is defined as domestic battery that leaves a visible injury on the victim. The charge is a felony that could result in up to four years in prison.

A USC spokesperson said Lewis has been suspended while the incident is under investigation.

“USC takes all reports of domestic abuse seriously and is cooperating fully with the law enforcement investigation,” the school told USCFootball.com “While this student code of conduct issue is being investigated, the student has been suspended from all football-related activities. Student disciplinary records and student conduct proceedings are confidential at USC and protected by law.”

Lewis, the No. 31 overall recruit in his high school class, caught just four passes for 39 yards with the Trojans last season. He was expected to take on a much bigger role as a sophomore, but that will now depend on how his case plays out.