Aug. 28, 2007

University of South Carolina safety Emanuel Cook issued the following statement through his attorney, Lowell E. Bernstein:

“I have been reinstated as a student at the University of South Carolina. I appreciate the fair and expeditious handling of this matter by the University and the Office of Judicial Affairs. I understand the seriousness of the charges made against me and believe the actions taken by the University were reasonable and appropriate in this situation. I want to apologize to the entire University community, the football team and staff, and my family and friends for the negative attention which my actions may have brought.

I am excited to continue my educational pursuits and assure you I will have a positive impact on the University in the future. I would like to thank you for your support during this difficult period in my life. I also want everyone to know that I am on my way to a full and speedy recovery from my appendectomy which was performed on Sunday.”

Following a two-hour afternoon practice session at the Bluff Road fields, Head Coach Steve Spurrier said he appreciated the Student Judicial Committee. “There are certain things (Emanuel’s) got to do but we certainly are very happy he is back with us. His appendicitis will keep him out probably two weeks so he probably won’t play for a couple. We all learned a lot in the Emanuel Cook incident with the gun. I think our players all know now that if you see a pistol, you need to go the other direction as fast as you can. Don’t touch it. It’s a good rule. Hopefully we all learned from what happened last week.”

The Gamecocks will practice again on Wednesday at the Bluff Road facility from 4:15-6:15 p.m. in preparation for Saturday’s 7:00 p.m. contest with Louisiana-Lafayette. Approximately 250 tickets remain for the contest at the USC Ticket Office.