Oct. 17, 2003

USC men’s basketball player Rolando Howell will be suspended through the Charleston Southern game on December 17 the USC Athletics Department announced today. The first game he will be eligible to play in will be the N.C. State game on December 20. The suspension game covers 12 games including two pre-season contests.

Howell, a senior from Columbia, S.C., will return to practice and team meetings effectively immediately.

USC Head Coach Dave Odom Statement “I am relieved that Rolando’s status has been established and that everyone, including Rolando, can now turn our attention to the future.

Our staff and team welcome Rolando back and will do everything in our power to help him as we all work together to improve our basketball team.”

Rolando Howell Statement “I am disappointed but at the same time, I know what I did was wrong and I am accept this suspension. I look forward to returning to practice with my teammates. I realize when some people find themselves in the situation I am in they make an apology and the public does not feel they are sincere. This is not the first time I have apologized. I have apologized to the young lady, my parents, Dr. McGee, Coach Odom and to my team. I again wish to apologize to the public and to the loyal Gamecock fans. I made a huge mistake, I am very sorry and I am accept responsibility for my actions. I will use this as a learning experience and work as hard as I possibly can to be a good citizen and a student-athlete that brings honor to the University of South Carolina.”