Assault Charge Dropped Against USC Basketball Player

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A judge said a simple assault charge against South Carolina sophomore guard Devan Downey has been dropped.

Magistrate Clevette Hudnell said she dismissed the charge Wednesday during a court hearing after the accuser asked that the charge be dropped.

A University of South Carolina student sought a simple assault warrant against Downey last month after an argument on campus.

In a statement issued by his defense attorney, Downey apologized for bringing negative attention to the university and the other student. Downey said he learned lessons from the experience.

Downey started every game for the Gamecocks last season, averaging a team-high 18.4 points a game.