August 9, 2005

Players say Spurrier promised no charges would be filed

Hemphill Pride, an attorney for former South Carolina football players Brian Brownlee and Woodly Telfort, has asked that charges against the pair be dismissed. Pride alleges that head coach Steve Spurrier, who was on the job shortly after last season ended, promised players that no charges would be filed if all property stolen from Williams-Brice Stadium was returned.

Both Telfort and Brownlee have grand larceny trials scheduled for later this month after they allegedly stole laptops and video projection equipment. Their attorney's motion includes affidavits from other players (including one charged with stealing posters/photographs in the same incident) saying that they were under the impression that no charges would be filed. The motion also alleges that former Athletic Director Mike McGee used a racial slur during the team meeting before the thefts. The meeting was held to tell the Gamecocks that they would not be going to a bowl game following the brawl with Clemson.

Spurrier initially declined comment because of the ongoing legal process while McGee denied using the term "hoodlum" at the meeting, which is the only alleged racial slur the pair's lawyer would specify when pressed by a reporter.

The motion also alleges that associate athletic director Shawn Eichhorst, following orders from McGee, filed a false report with USC PD stating that all of the items had been returned. News reports about the motions indicate that charges against Eichhorst may have been considered.

Spurrier later responded:

Spurrier says he never makes promises on anything. "As long as I've been here, I think there's two words that you've never heard me say and two words I never ever try to say and quote those words are 'I promise', cause I don't use those words," said Spurrier. "I read a long time ago that a loser makes promises and a winner makes commitments."

Reports earlier this week have Telfort transferring to Northwestern State. NW State is said to be concerned about Telfort's role in the brawl and possible role in the thefts as well as an arrest for auto theft in 2001. Telfort would have been suspended for the Gamecocks' season opener because of his role in the Clemson brawl.

Please note that all comments are subject to the Fanblogs Comment Policy.