McDaniel's case could take time to resolve
Clemson has decision to make on DB after arrest for assault
By Larry Williams
Provided
McDaniel
CLEMSON — It could be more than a year before Clemson defensive back DeAndre McDaniel goes to court for his recent arrest.
That means Tigers coach Tommy Bowden, whose team officially begins preseason practice a month from today, could be faced with a difficult decision sometime soon.
McDaniel, a sophomore who figured to get extensive playing time this season, was arrested June 21 for assault of a high and aggravated nature after an incident with his girlfriend at his off-campus apartment.
According to a report released by the Central Police Department, the alleged victim was treated at a nearby hospital for injuries after McDaniel allegedly choked her, shoved her down a flight of stairs and punched her.
According to a team spokesman, Bowden is still gathering facts and has yet to make a decision on McDaniel's status with the team. But if he's waiting for the legal process to run its course, he could be waiting a while.
Kerry Avery, chief of the Central Police Department, said Monday it'll likely be "at minimum" six months to a year before the case goes to trial. Since the offense is classified as a high-court misdemeanor, it has been referred to the 13th Circuit solicitor's office. And Avery said those cases tend to drag.
"There's only so many solicitors," he said. "The bottom line is, it's going to be a while before this gets resolved."
Clemson isn't waiting for it to get resolved. McDaniel has a hearing on Wednesday and will be informed what punishment, if any, he faces from the university for his arrest.
Chris Olson, an attorney from the firm representing McDaniel, said last week that he'd supplied the university with statements from three witnesses who refute the allegations.
The statements, however, had yet to be provided to the police department or solicitor's office as of Monday afternoon, according to Avery. The police chief said the statements, at least two of which came from friends of McDaniel, have "got to be taken with a grain of salt."
"I'd hope that most people who witnessed a crime would go to the police department to provide a statement," Avery said. "It makes me wonder who these people are. We need to see if there's any validity to them."
Avery said there's plenty of evidence that McDaniel committed the crime of which he's accused. McDaniel's girlfriend was treated at Oconee Memorial Hospital for a neck sprain and bruises on the face and chest, according to the police report.
"There is physical evidence," Avery said. "Bruises, everything else. … I do know that what we have is pretty solid."
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
sbs920 (anonymous) says...
Its time for the "Little Tammy and Lab Rat Show" boys and girls! Watch how little tammy puts his IPTAY spin on this aggrevated assault. I'm sure we will be hearing little tammy say "we'll just let the justice system follow it turtle pace while I go ahead a suit up the thug for games in the mean time. We've seen it before with the DUI in Atlanta last year didn't we? Still can't beleive this one wasn't swept under the IPTAY Orange Rug of Secrecy. . .
MeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeOooooooooooooooooW ! ! !
July 1, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mcfadden00 (anonymous) says...
If this police chief had done his job and sent investigators to the scene of the crime to INTERVIEW THE ROOMMATES that were present at the time of the incident, he would have his statements. I am certain that McDaniel's lawyer will use that at trial to show a rush to charge his client. Witnesses aren't obligated to do the police's work for them. All 3 live in McDaniel's apt. complex....and Avery has known that for a week, so why has he not sent anyone out to get the statements? Oh yeah, the case was closed and submitted to the Prosecutor as of the middle of last week - without interviewing witnesses. Brilliant.
Also, this supposed unbiased police chief insinuating that the two football players (and a female witness that he disregards) would submit false statements to the University judicial system is atrocious. They have way too much to lose. If the university found that these guys lied for DeAndre they'd be forfeiting their scholarships and future football careers. Not likely.
July 1, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BotanyIsland (anonymous) says...
People do things for their friends with clouded judgement in times of stress. I wouldn't doubt his friends would lie to police if they thought it would get him off the charges. It all boils down to hearsay vs physical evidence. Documented physical evidence usually wins out.
This could be a serious blow to clemson's chances of winning the acc. I'm interested to see how tommy bowden handles this.
Kudos to the P&C for covering this story.
July 1, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sbs920 (anonymous) says...
Hey! Where is " little ditch zero "
Did you mommy stop your internet service or what ?
I miss the mindless Duke comments of pre WWII wins! LOL!
July 1, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rebel_Yell (anonymous) says...
He looks like he hangs out on America street. And again, the roomates weren't in the room where the assault and argument allegedley occurred so this is word versus word and the so called witnesses do squat for his case. If there are obejctive signs of a struggle, he loses. You don't hit girls--even jerk girls. Suspend him until his trial is over--that's what jesus would do Tammy.
and big river, we know you are out there. You thug lover you. Go thuggers.
July 1, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sptiger (anonymous) says...
bigriver is not a clemson fan. he's an oklahoma fan that knows how to push buttons.
July 1, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sbs920 (anonymous) says...
sptiger
We know ! Classic huh ?
"only 2 things from Oklahoma! Queers and Steers"
and little ditch zero certainly doesn't have horns. . . LOL
Lou Gosset Jr. you crack me up !
July 1, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rggr (anonymous) says...
This is a tough position for a coach, but for the good of the program, I think you have to suspend him until this is resolved. At that point, you either reinstate him or wave good-bye as he goes to jail.
July 1, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sbs920 (anonymous) says...
Rggr
you would think, but I bet IPTAY would tend to disagree.
When you have Andy and One Bullet Barney running the police force up in HickVille USA, anything and everything can be swept up under the old orange rug. . . MeeeOoooW !
July 1, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fantasy5 (anonymous) says...
sbs, keep talking, you sound like an idiot and I love it. Nothing is being swept under the rug, and if this kid is guilty he WILL NOT play for Clemson. Don't go throwing stones bud, you've got your own problems to deal with. And the DUI case you keep referring to, has it been resolved yet??
BotanyIsland?? I don't know if you're a SC fan, however this will not affect whether we win the ACC. We don't lose and then point fingers towards one player and use them as our excuse for why we didn't win. Jasper Brinkley may be your one man show down in the armpit of SC, but we have a whole lot more talent where that came from. Whether or not we'll use that talent remains to be seen i do admit, but we wont let one man bring us down.
As for the story above, there is plenty of physical evidence incriminating this kid, and no one is up there "trying" to make him innocent. If he did hit her and do all the things that he is being charged with, then he will be kicked off the team, BUT definitely let the judicial system run its course before you lock the door on him. If you didn't read the statements (someone posted the site before), it was interesting to read some of the stated info. The girl seemed to be a little crazy too, so lets explore EVERYTHING before we indict him and then send him to jail. WE ALL would want the same legal process taken if we were in any legal situation regardless of the similarities. ALL in ALL, I guess you suspend him and wait out the legal process, and it may suck for DeAndre but he shouldn't have put himself in this situation in the first place.
July 1, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BotanyIsland (anonymous) says...
I'm not from here. I just live here. My loyalties lie elsewhere. I like to root for both SC schools, but neither of them hurt my feelings when they lose. Now that I have cleared that up for you...
From my observations of college sports, the normal process works like this: Player is charged with crime. Player is suspended from team until further notice. Player is later re-instated after charges have been cleared. Usually with some type of stipulation.
Whether it's Georgia, Oklahoma, or South Carolina fans who give you grief about the subject, a common demoninator is to divert attention away from the situation at hand. The matter simply lies as this though: it's being perceived (and from where I stand rightly so) that your football coach is letting this guy stay on the team in the name of winning. If you have a daughter it may be a tad easier to take the emotion of a football team away from your perspective.
July 1, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chanticleer (anonymous) says...
Clemson has one of, if not the best group of defensive backs in the country, they'll be juuuuust fine come August 30th.
How is Carolina's QB / RB / OL situation looking these days? lol
July 1, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sbs920 (anonymous) says...
is the sky still baby blue in your little baseball world chant ? LOL!
July 1, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chanticleer (anonymous) says...
have no idea what you're referring to there sbs920 ;)
July 1, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sbs920 (anonymous) says...
UNC spanking of the Chants. . .
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
July 1, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tigerfan07 (anonymous) says...
While we didn't make the tournament, CCU made it further in the tourney than you did if I am not mistaken? You would think that would be enough to keep you quiet, but then again you are a USuC fan. Would we expect anything less?
July 1, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ashleyriver (anonymous) says...
Chanticleer---for some reason fathomable only to gamecock fan sbs920, he's poking fun at Coastal Carolina's 2 losses to unc in the NCAA Baseball Regional held in chapelhill apparently oblivious that usc lost twice to NCSt. in the same round just 30 miles to the east.
I have no explanation for his glee.
July 1, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sbs920 (anonymous) says...
wrong orange lug nuts ! I'm a UNC Grad !
Its just too much fun poking fun at the orange sh*tty kitties!
July 1, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tigerfan07 (anonymous) says...
Which is even worse. Good luck Tar Hole and make sure Lawson stays out of trouble himself. DWI's aren't a good thing either
July 1, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fjms (anonymous) says...
Wow sbs920, I didn't think the Tar Heels had such a hatred for Clemson. You live and learn!
July 1, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
groover (anonymous) says...
Bowden needs to get some balls and do the right thing. The student/athlete hasn't gone to court, no judgement has been set, therefore he should play unless he is guilty of charges. What is difficult decision? Bowden's job is to win games, not be judge and jury. Go Tigers!
July 1, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fantasy5 (anonymous) says...
sbs, the village idiot! everyone gets a crack... Your name throwing there is humorous. The "sh*tty kitties, Little Tammy and Lab Rat Show, little ditch...," are we 10 or 10 and a half? I highly doubt I'm the only one laughing at your pathetic attempts to throw unintelligent, dim-witted, ignorant names at a Clemson football team that has beaten the "tar" out of what are apparently both of your teams. Until either of your teams start beating Clemson you're posting privileges should be revoked...
And Botany, I wasn't going after you, I just wanted to state that we will not falter if we have to dismiss this guy from the team, and he probably will not be reinstated if he is found guilty of these crimes. The only league he'll be playing in is the SC penal league...
July 1, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chanticleer (anonymous) says...
for the record, i knew what sbs920 was talking about, hence the ;) at the end of my post. I admitted that UNC beat the crap out of CCU afterwards and why he/she keeps bringing it up I have no idea. Its football season now, so go Tigers.
July 1, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sbs920 (anonymous) says...
don't the little tiggers still own the current longest losing streak in NCAA basketball history against UNC ? YES
You don't even want to talk about what UNC did to the little tiggers in baseball, get the brooms out boys!
MeeeeeeOooooooW that's gotta hurt!
July 1, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fjms (anonymous) says...
It's football season now sbs920. Last time I checked y'all couldn't beat the shamecocks.
July 1, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sbs920 (anonymous) says...
either could the tiggers 2 years ago in Dump Valley
July 1, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fjms (anonymous) says...
I try to stay current but you don't really want to talk about historical match ups do you? The records in football against UNC or the Shamecocks are definitely one-sided.
July 1, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
youmanyo (anonymous) says...
Poor chickens ,its got to be tough being our bitch .
July 1, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fantasy5 (anonymous) says...
Leave sbs alone guys, he couldn't possibly be older than 9. I gave him the benefit of the doubt being generous and saying 10 1/2. Dude, Clemson is on the up and up with OP as head coach, and not to sound like a true Gamecock here, but seriously, it should be on next year in bball, if not then in the very near future. As for baseball, are we really talking about baseball?? Wow, get a grip, we all know where the bragging rights come from... We might as well talk about womens water polo while we're at it. Nothing against either baseball or womens water polo, but just proving a point.
July 2, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ashleyriver (anonymous) says...
sbs920---pardon my scoff, but YOU'RE a unc grad!! I find that difficult to believe on several levels. But the most difficult would be your admonition of bigriver that "nothing but steers and queers come from Oklahoma" when, if indeed you are a unc grad, you'd be aware that the largest gay community between Atlanta and DC resides in Chapel Hill and, percentage wise, its the largest gay community between Key West and New York.
So, if you are a unc grad, you must be familiar with at least half of what you're accusing bigriver of being.
July 2, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BotanyIsland (anonymous) says...
fantasy5,
You're schedule certainly sets up favorably for your team whether this guy is on it or not. I agree your percentages still look good as far as winning the division/league. It hurts losing a highly regarded player for any team, but I agree the absence of McDaniel won't be a deal breaker. Having said that, it does reflect poorly on your coach and university to wait this long for some type of official stance while other schools take quick action on matters of this nature. Georgia Tech for example with the recent rape case.
Back to football, Phil Steele, my favorite pre season prognasticator, has the Gamecocks as your toughest foe this year. If the pundits are indeed correct, you will also miss the three best teams from the other division of your conference, which is widely regarded as the 5th or 6th place conference out of the 6 BCS conferences. You should be able to win your league with ease. Since Clemson has many more preseason accolades than Kansas did last year, I feel most of the college football community will give credence to your team. I'd warn to not be offended when people compare you to Kansas of last year due to your schedule. It's bound to happen.
Good luck to both South Carolina schools. I hope both have a good year and the November match up is meaningful nation wide.
July 2, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fantasy5 (anonymous) says...
Botany, so you would like Bowden to suspend him "indefinitely"? I think there are multiple "right" ways to go about this, but the bottom line is if this kid is proven guilty he will be kicked off the team. I think Bowden isn't wrong in waiting it out and gathering facts, however you will not see the kid play in Orange if there is beyond reasonable doubt that this kid did all that this young woman said. She was seen leaving the scene "laughing," that doesn't seem right...
July 2, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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