Charges against Downey dropped

COLUMBIA — The simple assault charge against South Carolina point guard Devan Downey was dropped Wednesday, a week before he was scheduled to go to court.

Downey spent several hours in a Richland County jail on May 5 after being charged in an on-campus incident that took place 10 days earlier.

Downey, 23, and 19-year-old student Curtis Lowery of Irmo were involved in a noontime verbal altercation at the Russell House's Grand Market food court.

The report says Downey then walked up to Lowery and allegedly "mushed" him by pushing the palm of his hand into his face. Downey then left the scene, it says.

Officers were summoned, but the report says, "Lowery stated that he does not wish to pursue any legal action."

After consideration, Lowery changed his mind.

Sources have said Lowery became irritated that Downey was bragging about the incident to those he knew.

Downey's attorney, Columbia-based Neal Lourie, issued a statement Wednesday on Downey's behalf.

"Devan would like to apologize for any negative attention that he has brought upon Mr. Curtis Lowery and the University of South Carolina community," the statement said. "Devan is committed to continuing his achievements in education and on the court."

The release concluded with Downey saying, "This experience has taught me many life lessons."

Per university policy, Downey had been suspended from the team because of the arrest. He is eligible to be reinstated based on the dropped charges.

Coach Darrin Horn, who took over the program April 1, has not publicly addressed Downey's misstep.

Downey led the Gamecocks in points (18.4 a game) and assists (5.4) last season, a first-team SEC year for the Chester native. The transfer from Cincinnati also set a new SEC single-season record with 103 steals.

Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com and check out the new South Carolina blog at www.charleston.net/blogs/gamecocks.