Woman will pursue charges against McDaniel

CLEMSON — An attorney for the woman who has accused Clemson football player DeAndre McDaniel of assault said his client is fully intent on pursuing charges.

Ken Young, a Sumter attorney representing 19-year-old Abra Weeks, said he's confident McDaniel will eventually be convicted on the charge of assault of a high and aggravated nature.

McDaniel, a sophomore defensive back, was arrested June 21 after an altercation with his girlfriend at his off-campus apartment, and a report filed by the Central Police Department said the alleged victim was choked, punched and shoved down a flight of stairs.

At a hearing last week, the university's judicial services committee ruled that McDaniel was still in good standing as a student after statements from McDaniel and two witnesses who refuted Weeks' account. Weeks, who is also a student at Clemson, was not present at the hearing, and her lawyer said it's because police advised her not to attend.

Central police chief Kerry Avery would not confirm that anyone in his department asked her not to show up.

'I didn't deal with that,' he said. 'But I'm not 100 percent for having a mini-trial before the criminal trial anyway. ... Why go to something and you haven't had any sort of criminal trial?'

The charge is classified as a high-court misdemeanor and has been transferred to the 13th Circuit solicitor's office. Young said he wouldn't be surprised if the case takes 18 months to two years to reach trial.

According to the police report, the alleged victim was treated at a nearby hospital for a neck sprain and bruises on her face and chest. Weeks referred questions to Young, who said he's leaving open the option of a civil lawsuit, pending the outcome of this case.

Clemson football coach Tommy Bowden released a statement earlier this week that said McDaniel remains a member of the football team, but he left open the possibility of discipline during the season.