Clemson's McDaniel agrees to pre-trial intervention in assault case

Clemson's DeAndre McDaniel has agreed to participate in a pre-trial intervention program to resolve his arrest for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.

Robert Ariail, 13th Circuit solicitor, is expected to make an announcement this week concerning McDaniel's acceptance into PTI, a program that allows first-time offenders to have charges dropped upon successful completion.

McDaniel, a sophomore who's contending for a starting spot at linebacker for the Tigers, was arrested June 21 after an altercation with his girlfriend at his off-campus apartment. Abra Weeks, 19, alleged that McDaniel choked her, punched her and shoved her down a flight of stairs.

Kenneth Young, a Sumter attorney representing Weeks, said he's written a letter to Ariail supporting the PTI option. Young said Weeks is also demanding that McDaniel pay her medical bills for injuries she allegedly suffered during the incident.

The charge is classified as a high-court misdemeanor.

"He ought to be going into anger management and learning to deal with his frustration without pounding somebody," Young said. "And PTI takes time to complete, so he might not successfully complete the program. If he doesn't, he's back on the trial level."

Young said Weeks agreed to the PTI option because "she still has feelings for McDaniel." He also said Weeks has no intention of pursuing a civil suit.

"She doesn't want to hurt him," Young said.

Clemson coach Tommy Bowden has yet to make an announcement on McDaniel's status for the season, but he said Sunday that a "rational decision" could be imminent.

McDaniel, 20, has yet to face any known discipline from the team or university. At a university hearing in early July, Clemson's judicial services committee ruled that McDaniel was in good standing as a student after statements from McDaniel and two witnesses who refuted Weeks' account. Weeks, who is also a Clemson student, was not present at the hearing.

It's been estimated that this case could have taken six months to a year to reach trial.

Reach Larry Williams at lwilliams@postandcourier.com and check out the new Clemson blog at charleston.net/blogs/tiger_tracks/