Deputy keeps USC tailgate safe, builds relationships – all with a pong shot

On Saturdays in the fall, tailgating lots around Williams-Brice Stadium are filled with food and fun – and sometimes, the officers keeping those lots safe join in on the fun.

Video posted to the Barstool USC Twitter page on Sunday shows Richland County Deputy K. Scott sinking a shot during a game of pong in the Morrison Memorial Tailgate Lot before the Vanderbilt game on Saturday. After tossing the ping pong ball into the red Solo cup, Scott exchanges high-fives with shouting and cheering fans.

The video, which had been retweeted more than 300 times by Wednesday, was posted with the caption: “This cop knows that #saturdaysarefortheboys.”

Sheriff Leon Lott said Scott is among the deputies who patrol tailgating lots before home games, and that the group of fans invited Scott to take a shot in their game as he passed their tailgate on foot patrol.

“They all laughed, congratulated him and he kept on walking,” Lott said. “I look at it as something positive. He’s interacting with them and talking to them. Maybe that one interaction with some young people will build a positive relationship with law enforcement.”

The deputies who patrol tailgating lots are not paid for by taxpayers but instead by the groups and organizations who occupy the lots, Lott said.

This story was originally published November 1, 2017 at 12:28 PM with the headline "Deputy keeps USC tailgate safe, builds relationships – all with a pong shot."