... - Sports - College - University of South Carolina

Thursday, Jun. 05, 2008

Simple assault charge against USC's Downey dropped

COLUMBIA -- The simple assault charge filed against South Carolina point guard Devan Downey was dropped in court on Wednesday, ending his suspension from the basketball team.

"It's over, man," said Curtis Lowery, 19, of Irmo, the student who filed the charges. "I don't have no comments."

Downey and Lowery had an altercation on April 25, and according to Lowery, Downey tried to hit him.

Downey later apologized in the presence of campus police and Lowery decided not to press charges against the consensus first-team All-SEC player. But Lowery changed his mind 10 days later, after he heard Downey was spreading false stories about what really happened.

Downey was arrested and charged with simple assault, triggering an automatic suspension from the team. Columbia attorney Neal Lourie was hired to represent him and the case was heard on Wednesday.

Lourie issued a statement with Downey afterward.

"In court today the charge of simple assault against Devan Downey was officially dismissed," the statement read. "Devan would like to apologize for any negative attention that he has brought upon Mr. Curtis Lowery and the University of South Carolina community. Devan is committed to continuing his achievements in education and on the court. Devan Downey noted, 'This experience has taught me many life lessons.'"

Downey, a Chester native and the Gamecocks' leading scorer with 18.4 points per game, will re-join the team for its summer practice session in July. USC will practice for 10 days, then take a trip to Europe in August and play three or four exhibition games against local or club teams.