TheState.com: Tigers

Bowden: McDaniel on team, future in limbo

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:24 EDT

CLEMSON — Clemson defensive back DeAndre McDaniel will be allowed to participate in team activities while facing his criminal charge.

McDaniel, arrested June 21 for alleged assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, can remain an “active member” of the team, coach Tommy Bowden said Monday in a statement.

However, Bowden said McDaniel’s status for regular-season competition has yet to be determined.

Clemson opens the season Aug. 30 against Alabama. Practice begins Aug. 1.

“We continue to review information concerning this case, and I want to be clear that I take these charges against DeAndre McDaniel seriously,” Bowden said in the statement.

Bowden controls status of McDaniel

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:56 EDT

CLEMSON — The decision on whether Clemson sophomore safety DeAndre McDaniel can play pending a criminal charge appears to be in coach Tommy Bowden's hands.

McDaniel will remain enrolled in school following a hearing with the university's judiciary review board.

Nick Lavery, one of McDaniel's attorneys, said the board decided it was not going to make an official decision on McDaniel's case at this time.

Thus he was neither expelled nor suspended from school, allowing for the likelihood he will be allowed to play this season until his legal situation is resolved.

However, Lavery said the board reserved the right to revisit the case if more evidence is presented.

McDaniel remains a Clemson student

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:24 EDT

By PAUL STRELOW pstrelow@thestate.com CLEMSON — The decision on whether Clemson sophomore safety DeAndre McDaniel can play pending a criminal charge appears to be in coach Tommy Bowden's hands. McDaniel will remain enrolled in school following a hearing with the university's judiciary review board. Nick Lavery, one of McDaniel's attorneys, said the board decided it was not going to make an official decision on McDaniel's case at this time. Thus he was neither expelled nor suspended from school, allowing for the likelihood he will be allowed to play this season until his legal situation is resolved. However, Lavery said the board reserved the right to revisit the case if more evidence is presented. McDaniel was arrested June 21 for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature after an incident with his girlfriend at his off-campus apartment. The woman, who was not identified, was treated at Oconee Memorial Hospital after the incident for a sprained neck and chest and facial bruises, according to the Central Police Department's incident report. However, she did not provide a written statement or medical records for Wednesday's hearing as requested by the board, Lavery said. Two of the three witnesses who submitted written statements to the university refuting some of the women’s account testified on McDaniel's behalf at the hearing. School officials only would confirm that McDaniel remains a student and that Bowden is still in the process of gathering information about the case. Bowden is expected to address McDaniel's situation Monday. Clemson begins practice Aug. 1 and opens the season Aug. 30 against Alabama. The next step in the legal case is the discovery phase, in which the prosecution and defense exchange information in preparation for a trial. Because of the nature of the misdemeanor charge, McDaniel's case was turned over to the 13th Solicitor's Office instead of being handled by municipal court, which more than doubled the expected time frame for a resolution. It takes between six months to a year for a Solicitor's Office case to go to trial, Central police chief Kerry Avery said this week.

Football: Board will rule on McDaniel

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:43 EDT

CLEMSON — The only trial that would definitively keep DeAndre McDaniel out of a Clemson football uniform this fall begins today.

McDaniel, a sophomore safety/linebacker expected to play regularly in the upcoming season, was arrested June 21 for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature after an incident with his girlfriend at his off-campus apartment.

Because of the degree of the misdemeanor charge, the criminal case was automatically referred to the 13th Solicitor’s Office, likely meaning the case will not be resolved for six to 12 months, Central Police Department chief Kerry Avery said.

Meanwhile, McDaniel has a hearing today with Clemson’s judiciary review board that figures to factor prominently in his status for the upcoming season.

The board, comprised of two students, a faculty member, a staff member and a dean or a representative, will decide what punishment, if any, is levied.

Clemson football tickets on sale Monday

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:44 EDT

Clemson football tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Monday. A limited number of season tickets will be available for $299 each. Tickets will be sold for all home games, excluding the South Carolina game. Tickets to the Citadel and South Carolina State games cost $35. Tickets for the N.C. State, Maryland, Georgia Tech and Duke games cost $48. Tickets for road games against Wake Forest ($50), Florida State ($46) and Virginia ($42) will be available. Tickets to the Alabama game in Atlanta and the Boston College game are available to IPTAY members only. Group tickets will be offered for the Citadel, N.C. State, South Carolina State and Maryland games. The group rate is $16 if 15 or more tickets are purchased. To order, visit ClemsonTigers.com or call 1-800-CLEMSON.

Basketball: Mays set for summer leagues

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:06 EDT

Former Clemson forward James Mays has lined up spots on three summer league rosters with the goal of landing an NBA free-agent contract, his agent, Justin Zanik, said.

Mays, an undrafted 6-foot-8 power forward, begins his monthlong road trip next week as a member of the Seattle Supersonics in the Orlando Pro Summer League, which runs July 7-11.

From there, he joins the Charlotte Bobcats in the 21-team NBA Summer League, held in Las Vegas from July 11-20.

Finally, Mays will play for the New Jersey Nets for the Rocky Mountain Revue in Utah, which goes from July 18-25.

Also, former Clemson guard Cliff Hammonds made the roster of the Orlando Magic for the Orlando Pro Summer League.

Source: McDaniel remains enrolled after hearing

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:42 EDT

CLEMSON – The decision on whether Clemson sophomore DeAndre McDaniel can play pending a criminal charge now appears in coach Tommy Bowden’s hands. McDaniel was neither expelled nor suspended from school Wednesday following a hearing with the university’s judiciary review board, according to a source with knowledge of the proceeding.

McDaniel was arrested June 21 for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature after an incident with his girlfriend at his off-campus apartment.

Football recruits still making way to campus

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:43 EDT

CLEMSON — Clemson’s football signing class has made it into school relatively intact.

Seventeen freshmen have reported to campus and are enrolled in the second session of summer school, school spokesman Tim Bourret confirmed Monday. All but two of the Tigers’ 26 signees have met NCAA Clearinghouse initial qualifying standards.

Xavier Brewer, a cornerback from Bartram Trail High in Jacksonville, Fla., is taking one more summer school course but is expected to be available when practice begins Aug. 1.

In May, junior college defensive lineman Jarrett Crittenton was released from his letter of intent and signed with Memphis upon learning he would not be admitted to Clemson for making another D in a class.

Six of Clemson’s signees enrolled in January. Quarterback Jon Richt arrived for the first summer school session.

Gamecocks digging deep in Florida

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:38 EDT

AFTER LANDING A commitment last week from Plantation, Fla., linebacker Brent Singleton, USC is getting interest from another Sunshine State linebacker.

Matt Coffee (5-foot-11, 210 pounds) of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., made an unofficial visit over the weekend and has the Gamecocks No. 1 on his list.

“I didn’t commit then, but they are my leader now and I’m feeling really good about them,” Coffee said. “I’m going to commit soon.”

Coffee, whose brother plays for Alabama, also has offers from Mississippi, N.C. State, Maryland, Illinois, Southern Miss, Marshall, Iowa State and Mississippi State. He said an offer from Alabama would not shake him from his plans to commit to the Gamecocks. His final word could come by the end of the summer.

Tight end Justin Jones (6-8, 250) of Conyers, Ga., made a brief stop at USC on Wednesday but committed to Kentucky on Friday. However, Jones said he might make a return visit to USC in July. He also visited Clemson, Mississippi State, Alabama and Kentucky this summer.

Morris: An All-America team to turn down

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:38 EDT

There is nothing wrong with Playboy magazine for adults who want to purchase it. That is their prerogative. There is something wrong with public universities allowing their athletes to be represented in the publication’s pages.

The issue comes to light with the recent naming of South Carolina wide receiver Kenny McKinley and Clemson running back James Davis to Playboy’s 52nd annual All-America football team.

Both are deserving of preseason accolades. This concern has nothing to do with their football prowess. Rather, it has to do with public perception. By allowing the two to appear in the September issue of Playboy, USC and Clemson are essentially endorsing pornography and perpetuating the objectification of women.

Every school contacted over the past week said the decision to accept membership on the Playboy All-America team is up to the individual athlete, even at North Carolina where the wife of former basketball coach Dean Smith has long campaigned against players accepting the award.

“I think (Playboy has) a high degree of legitimacy because they’ve been doing this for years and years and years,” said Eric Hyman, USC’s athletics director. “Athletes obviously have the right not to participate. We would never force them to do it if they didn’t want to do it. But that’s their right.”

Two of nation’s top defenders headed to South Pointe

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:38 EDT

ROCK HILL — Two players from Charlotte’s Independence High School have enrolled at South Pointe High — safety Devonte Holloman and Dominque Walker, who plays linebacker and defensive back, said coach Bobby Carroll.

Holloman, 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, is ranked as the No. 1 player in North Carolina by Rivals.com and No. 6 at his position nationally.

Holloman has committed to Clemson and gives the Stallions two of the nation’s top players. South Pointe quarterback/defensive back Stephon Gilmore is ranked No. 1 by Rivals in South Carolina.

Holloman, a 3.8 student, has the 24 credits it takes to graduate in South Carolina. He has a couple of required classes to take and plans to graduate after the first semester and enroll early at Clemson.

“I’m here for several reasons,” Holloman said. “My parents are getting a divorce and I didn’t really want to go to another Charlotte high school. When my dad moved down here, I decided to come with him.

Clemson forward Mays must wait, wonder

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:53 EDT

CLEMSON — After pulling out of last year’s NBA draft, Clemson forward James Mays stayed in New York and attended a post-draft party for first-rounders Kevin Durant and Julian Wright.

This time, with his own future at stake, Mays is shunning the bright lights for a low-key night with the family in Garner, N.C.

“No Big Apple for me,” he said.

Mays is lumped into the tier of players given a remote chance to be second-round selectees in today’s draft (7 p.m., ESPN).

ESPN rates Mays as the 75th-best prospect in the draft, during which 60 players are taken. Neither ESPN nor NBAdraft.net include him in their mock drafts. Draftexpress.com speculates Mays gets selected with the second-to-last pick.

Clemson basketball hires operations director

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:46 EDT

Clemson hoops coach Oliver Purnell has found his new director of operations for men's basketball.

The school announced Thursday that Purnell promoted graduate assistant Michael Morrell into the position.

The job opened when Purnell promoted previous director Josh Postorino to assistant coach earlier this month.

Purnell says Morrell distinguished himself with hard work and knowledge of the game.

Morrell played basketball and golf at Milligan College. He spent two years at King College as an assistant basketball coach and golf coach before coming to Clemson.

Clemson athletes feel coach's departure

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:46 EDT

Star Clemson vaulter Mitch Greeley is focused squarely on his chance this weekend to make the U.S. Olympic team. Part of him, though, can't help reflecting back on the Tigers upcoming change.

Longtime Clemson men's track and field coach Bob Pollock announced his retirement last week. He was expected to conclude his duties after two of his team's top performers, Greeley and sprinter Travis Padgett, finish their events at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials that start Friday.

"I have loved having coach Pollock as a head coach," Greeley said by phone from his hotel room in Eugene, Ore., site of the U.S. trials. "He had a desire to win and I really enjoyed working with him. It's going to be sad to see him go."

Over his 20-year career, Pollock brought Clemson national recognition. He coached two Olympic gold medalists: American Shawn Crawford won the 200 meters in Athens four years ago and Carlton Chambers was part of Canada's winning 4x100-meter relay team in Atlanta in 1996.

Pollock's teams won 21 Atlantic Coast Conference championships (11 indoor, nine outdoor, one cross country) and he was named ACC coach of the year 19 times.

Clemson golfer finds winning swing

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:37 EDT

The situation is one Phillip Mollica has thought about, wondered about. It bothers him, he says, in a “what’s-the-deal-with-THAT?” sort of way.

Understand first that Mollica enjoys playing for Clemson’s golf team, enjoys the team spirit and the bonds with his teammates. He and Greenwood native Ben Martin have been “real tight” since age 12; he met David May, from Auburn, N.Y., when both were high school seniors and also are close.

Yeah, the Anderson native said, he likes his teammates a lot.

He just seems to perform better when they’re not around — in the summertime.

“I’m still trying to figure it out,” he said. “(It) seems that’s always been the case for me.”

Tigers pick up commitment from running back

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:31 EDT

Clemson received a commitment from running back Ben Axon (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) of Bradenton, Fla., on Tuesday.

“The decision was made on the family thing,” Axon said. “Family is strong, and I think that’s what Clemson gave me in the long run. I’ve visited Clemson three times over the last three summers, and I felt like they had something to offer me and I had something to offer them.”

Axon, who rushed for 1026 yards and 16 touchdowns and caught 38 passes last season, said the coaches had informed him of the running back situation at Clemson, and he understands what kind of opportunity he has.

“From what they tell me, James Davis and C.J. Spiller are going to the draft,” Axon said. “Even if Spiller decides to come back and stay for a year, there’s no pressure. I’m ready to sit back and learn from somebody that has experience in the ACC.”

Axon said once he gets his chance to carry the football at Clemson, Tiger fans will like what they see. “The style of offense, the I-formation, is what we run back at my school,” Axon said. “I think that’s the style of offense where I can get the fall 20 times, maybe 30 times a go. I’m a fourth quarter guy. That’s the most important thing for me, getting the ball in the fourth quarter. I believe that’s what I can bring to the Clemson Tigers.”

Clemson football player McDaniel arrested

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:17 EDT

CENTRAL — Clemson football player DeAndre McDaniel was arrested Saturday and charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature following an argument with his girlfriend, a police report stated.

According to an incident report from the Central Police Department, McDaniel’s girlfriend said she was choked, hit in the head, face and chest and shoved down a flight of stairs by McDaniel at his University Village apartment.

The woman, whose name was not released, was treated at Oconee Memorial Hospital for a neck sprain and bruises to the face and chest.

McDaniel was released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond. The charge is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

McDaniel, a Tallahassee, Fla., native who moved from safety to linebacker during spring practice, played in all 13 of the Tigers’ games last season, making 33 tackles and two interceptions. He will be a sophomore next season.

McElrathbey transfers to start new at Howard

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:48 EDT

Ray Ray McElrathbey just wants to play football.

The Clemson running back who earned awards for raising his younger brother said Monday he plans to resume his injury-halted football career at Howard. Alongside, as always, will be McElrathbey’s 13-year-old brother, Fahmarr.

“My sidekick,” the older McElrathbey said by phone Monday. “I won’t go anywhere without him.”

Clemson said in March that McElrathbey, 22, would not play next fall. He was offered a graduate assistantship with the athletic department that would have paid for his schooling, but McElrathbey was not ready to give up the game.

McElrathbey has two years of eligibility left and could play immediately since Howard is part of the NCAA division formerly known as I-AA. “I’m going to try and make up four years in two, God-willing,” he said.

Basketball: Adversity in college helped shaped new assistant

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:57 EDT

CLEMSON — If a health condition had not prematurely ended his college basketball playing career, Josh Postorino imagines he would hold a stale sales job.

“Come to think of it, I’m still in sales,” Postorino said.

His clients figure to shape the future of Clemson basketball.

Postorino was promoted last week to the coaching staff after previously serving as the team’s director of operations. He replaces Florida-bound Shaka Smart, who had developed a niche as an ace recruiter.

With the Tigers looking to expand on a breakthrough season and earn a consistent spot atop the ACC standings, Postorino faces the challenge of continuing to upgrade the team’s talent.

RNE's Bonds takes a look at the Vols

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:49 EDT

RICHLAND NORTHEAST defensive end Chris Bonds (6-foot-4, 283 pounds) is making an unofficial visit to Tennessee today and Tuesday.

The trip actually coincided with a softball camp his sister is attending at Tennessee, so he decided to go along and make a football visit. Bonds will meet with Vols coach Phillip Fulmer this afternoon. He was scouted in the spring by Tennessee assistant Dan Brooks.

Outside of observing USC’s seven-on-seven tournament a couple weeks ago, Bonds hasn’t visited any schools until today because of workouts at school and the rehabbing of his surgically repaired left knee. Bonds has not trimmed his long list of offers but said he has a top group of USC, Southern Cal, Michigan, Notre Dame and Alabama. And he said Miami, Michigan and Notre Dame likely will be three of his visits in the fall.

The Gamecocks and Clemson have offered quarterback Morgan Newton (6-5, 215) of Indianapolis. Newton has been to Illinois, Purdue and Kentucky this summer. He visited USC and Clemson in the spring and might return to the state later in the summer. Newton said some of the standout schools are USC, Clemson, Indiana, Purdue, Kentucky, Florida, Miami, Mississippi State and Penn State.

Wide receiver James Green (6-4, 200) of Tallahassee, Fla., visited South Florida over the weekend and plans to visit USC on July 21. USC remains a major factor and is in his top two with South Florida. Green also likes Auburn, Central Florida, Mississippi and N.C. State.