Pot-busted players for South Carolina to stick with team

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.