No game suspension likely for McDaniel
CLEMSON — Clemson linebacker DeAndre McDaniel is not expected to face any game suspension for his summer arrest on charges of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.
According to sources familiar with the situation, athletic director Terry Don Phillips and university president James Barker have signed off on coach Tommy Bowden's recommendation not to suspend McDaniel.
An announcement is expected Friday from Clemson's athletic department. The No. 9 Tigers open the season against No. 24 Alabama on Saturday at Atlanta's Georgia Dome.
Bowden said the upcoming statement will serve as his next comment on the situation. Phillips also declined to comment Wednesday.
McDaniel was arrested June 21 after an altercation with his girlfriend at his off-campus apartment. Abra Weeks, 19, charged that McDaniel choked her, punched her and shoved her down a flight of stairs.
McDaniel agreed to pre-trial intervention, a program for first-time offenders that wipes away offenses upon successful completion. Weeks endorsed PTI, and the 13th circuit solicitor signed off on it last week.
According to the sources, McDaniel's avoidance of suspension is contingent on his staying free of trouble and abiding by all the terms of PTI.
McDaniel is expected to share time with fellow sophomore Scotty Cooper at strong-side linebacker.
Reach Larry Williams at lwilliams@postandcourier.com and check out the new Clemson blog at www.charleston.net/blogs/tiger_tracks/>
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Comments
This article has 11 comment(s)
Posted by TsQc on August 28, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So Mike Davis gets his start taken away tonight after breaking into a refrigerator to get a FREE drink, and McDaniel throws his gf down the stairs and gets to play without any suspension whatsoever.
Accepting PTI is an admission of guilt.
I'm glad the all God loving Tommy Bowden has his priorities in order.
Roll Tide.
Posted by notafan on August 28, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't wait to hear Tiger nation's support for this decision. Way to go Tommy, any woman who has ever been beat up by a man will be proud.
Posted by Spur on August 28, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's be fair about this. Davis lied about what he did, even though it was on video and he knew this. He had a chance to do the right thing and LIED.
PTI is an admission of some responsibility, not GUILT on the charges he originally faced. If the solicitor could prove the charges he would take the case to trial. The fact is he can't because in all likelihood it didn't happen the way it was originally reported.
Oh yeah, I forgot - the solictor and the "victim" are in Clemson's pocket...oh brother...
Posted by sbs920 on August 28, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ohhhhhh! Big Surprise here! Who would have thought. . .
Little Tammy Lives ! ! !
More Orange Kool for the Esso Idiots ! ! !
Cheers ! ! Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Good!
Drink up little kitties. . . Its all good in Tiggerville. . .
Posted by JF on August 28, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, what a gutless coach. I wonder how he would feel if it was his daughter who was punched, choked, and thrown down a flight of stairs. Something is really wrong with the coach and an administration who supports an athelete who commits violence against women.
Posted by whiskeyagogo on August 28, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's hear from the Lady Tigers out there. Does the punishment fit the (alleged) crime?
Posted by fireantd84 on August 28, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
now you see people,no comment from bigriver1 or the other tiger idiots,just goes to show you the mentality and maturity of some people,it's o.k though,the diarrea that comes out of their mouth's only make gamecock nation stronger.
Posted by Rggr on August 28, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here you go: - he should have been suspended.
Posted by rebel1 on August 28, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
go back to day 1 and read what I said. I'll say it again tammy will not punish him if he needs him. I guess its ok with the pukes to beat women and drive drunk and play for tammy. Tammy I think you need to reread the bible instead of being a HIPO. The puttykats are scared of one of the worst teams in the SEC(6-6 pre bowl game ). It took a last second field goal to beat the lowly 6-6 gamecocks. Weak team , weak conf, weak coach. ps I guess davis didnt want his teammate sup. Yes we know the players run the team. what a joke.
Posted by sbs920 on August 28, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
little ditch where are you ? ? ? LOL! Sucka !
Posted by mcfadden00 on August 28, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Clemson's Administration (Athletic Director, President, and Head Coach) all met with the solicitor to view ALL of the evidence in the case, after PTI was offered and accepted by McDaniel, so that they themselves could determine the level of his punishment. They walked out of there all agreeing to ZERO punishment.
These are the same people that suspended Duane Coleman from his final football game EVER, for smoking a joint. That should tell you all you need to know about McDaniel's innocence.
I guess they should let a bunch of jealous Gamecocks tell them how to run their school and football program though, right?