TWO GAMECOCK STARS ACCUSED OF ASSAULT …
Two of the University of South Carolina football team’s biggest stars have been accused of assault in connection with a bar incident that allegedly transpired in the early morning hours last Saturday (April 29).
That’s according to police reports obtained by reporter Teddy Kulmala of The (Columbia, S.C.) State newspaper.
Junior wide receiver Deebo Samuel and senior linebacker Skai Moore were both reportedly involved in the incident – which is said to have occurred at the Five Points Saloon shortly before 3:00 a.m. EDT.
According to the police report, Samuel, Moore and former USC player Jalen Dread physically assaulted a 24-year-old former Marine who objected to one of them reportedly knocking his cell phone from his hand.
The ex-soldier – described by family members as an Afghan War veteran – confronted the players after they allegedly knocked his phone to the ground.
“The subjects then became agitated, refuting the accusation,” the report stated. “After a few seconds, the incident escalated to the subjects physically assaulting him.”
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According to the police report the victim was hit several times in the face and suffered “visible swelling.”
“The subjects were identified by the fact that they were each USC football players,” the police report noted.
Ordinarily we’d say a few slaps on the wrist were likely forthcoming in this situation, but according to Kulmala’s report the alleged incident was captured on the bar’s security cameras.
That changes everything … assuming the footage winds up in authorities’ hands. As of this writing, Columbia, S.C. police have yet to obtain a copy of the clip. Accordingly, as of this writing neither player has been charged.
Samuel is one of the Gamecocks most potent offensive weapons, leading the team with 59 receptions and 783 receiving yards last year. The 6-foot-0, 200-pound Inman, S.C. native caught one scoring strike and ran for six additional touchdowns – despite missing three games with an injury.
Moore – a 6-foot-1, 218-pound senior from Cooper City, Florida – led the Gamecocks in tackles for three consecutive seasons from 2013-15. His return from a neck injury that cost him the entire 2016 season was expected to bolster head coach Will Muschamp’s defense.
South Carolina posted a 6-7 mark in Muschamp’s first season at the helm – a solid step forward from 2015’s disastrous 3-9 campaign. The former Florida head coach is expected to improve on that mark this season, although his task will become exponentially harder in the event Samuel and Moore miss game time as a result of this incident.
UPDATE: Muschamp claims Samuel was “not at the establishment,” accusing The State of an “incorrect report” and “irresponsible journalism.” Well, well.
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