Howell charged with criminal domestic violence

Web posted Monday, August 11, 2003
| Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina center Rolando Howell was arrested and charged with criminal domestic violence, according to Richland County police.

The rising senior, who has the most experience of any South Carolina player, was arrested around noon Saturday at an apartment complex where he lives with his girlfriend and 2-year-old son, county deputies said.

An incident report said Howell's girlfriend was crying and had a red mark on the left side of her neck. She told deputies she had an argument with Howell that turned physical with Howell choking her, pulling her hair and hitting her in the face, according to the incident report.

Howell could not immediately be reached for comment.

It's unclear if any disciplinary action will be taken against Howell, who averaged 10 points and 6.3 rebounds last season.

"I have met with Rolando Howell. I have been alerted to the allegations and at this point all the facts are not in," Gamecocks coach Dave Odom said in a statement. "Until that time we will have no further comment."

The 6-foot-9, 220-pound Howell was suspended for seven games in 2000 for his part in a money-order scam before he even played for the Gamecocks, who finished 12-16 last season.

After that arrest, Howell completed a pretrial intervention program for first-time offenders.



--From the Tuesday, August 12, 2003 online edition of the Augusta Chronicle

I've seen it reported that he's currently under suspension.

Bad news for Ro, & worse news for Gamecock hoops. :crying: