Former USC running back, NFL player Harold Green cleared of assault charges

COLUMBIA, SC The assault charges set against former University of South Carolina running back and NFL player Harold Green have been dropped by the 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Green’s attorney Lewis Cromer announced Thursday.

Cromer said some of the charges were dropped at a preliminary hearing, while the rest were dismissed by the solicitor’s office after they determined there was a a lack of supporting evidence in the case.

Green was charged with five counts of assault by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department on Sept. 8, 2014 after he was accused of inappropriately touching the female students, ages 15 to 17, between Aug. 9 and 28, 2014, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said at the time of his arrest.

Green was working as a volunteer coach for the Spring Valley High School football team at the time of the accusations.

Cromer said Green cooperated fully with the sheriff’s department throughout the investigation.

“This is more than just a victory for Harold – this is a vindication of his character and a clearance of his personal and professional reputation.,” Cromer said. “He and his family have suffered through this terrible nightmare and are ready to move forward with their lives.”

Green was listed on the nfl.com website as being 6-foot, 2-inches tall and weighing 222 pounds.

He played for USC from 1986-’89, leading the team in rushing three consecutive seasons and ranking third all-time in rushing at the school at 3,005 yards. He set a single-season record in 1987 with 15 rushing touchdowns and is tied with George Rogers in all-time touchdowns with 33.

Green played in the NFL for nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons.

Green was inducted into the S.C. Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.

This story was originally published February 11, 2016 at 3:54 PM with the headline "Former USC running back, NFL player Harold Green cleared of assault charges."