COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The two South Carolina
football players charged with simple marijuana possession will remain
members of the team while their case is being resolved.
"The status of Ty Erving and Josh Johnson as members of the USC football
team is unchanged," a release from the university said. "Their status
remains subject to change following the resolution of their pending
criminal charges."
Columbia police arrested Erving and Johnson last month after an officer
found marijuana inside a parked car the players and another man were
sitting in.
Drug tests were given to Erving, a sophomore defensive back, and
Johnson, a sophomore linebacker, by coach Steve Spurrier after the
players said they were innocent. Spurrier had said the results would
determine whether he would take any disciplinary action against the
players.
South Carolina spokeswoman Michelle Schmitt said the university could
not comment on the connection between the university's statement and
results of the drug tests.
Along with Johnson and Erving, nine other current or former Gamecock
football players have been arrested on charges ranging from domestic
violence to grand larceny since the end of last season.
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