South Carolina Gamecocks football players suspended

Three South Carolina football players, Monteque Rhames, Anthony Rose and Cameron Upshaw, have been dismissed from the team, the school announced Friday afternoon.

Our student-athletes know what is expected of them, coach Shane Beamer said in a statement. They know that both the university and the football program will hold them accountable for their actions and decisions.

USC did not provide details on why those players were arrested, but Richland County Jail records show one was arrested overnight.

Rhames, a freshman defensive end who moved to campus last month, was arrested on charges of carrying weapons on school property and obstruction of justice, according to Richland County online court records. Records show Rhames was booked at midnight.

An incident report provided by USC on Friday indicated that campus police responded to a housing complaint in the 650 Lincoln residence halls at 9:20 p.m. on Jan. 25. The incident report indicates a gun law violation, and the rifle was listed as a weapon. The report lists Rhames, Rose and one unnamed juvenile as suspects in the alleged incident, but does not mention any charges or arrests.

In a letter USC sent Friday to 650 Lincoln residents and their families and obtained by the state, the school said three residence hall students have been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon. Students have been expelled from school, removed from the residence hall, and cannot enter campus.

The email was sent by J. Rex Tolliver, the university’s vice chancellor for student affairs and academic support.

A full investigation is underway, but USC police say there is no ongoing threat to residents, according to the letter. We are grateful that our staff and students worked together to identify the risk and take the necessary action.

The letter did not identify the three students and did not say it had any connection to the suspensions of USC football players. The email was sent to students about 15 minutes before the university announced the bans to the media.

Rhames, a four-star recruit in the class of 2023 who signed with the Gamecocks in December, was still in jail Friday afternoon, according to Richland County online records. He had no attorney listed.

Rhames’ first court appearance is scheduled for March 31, according to Richland County online court records. According to records, the personal recognizance debt was $10,000.

The Sumter product was ranked No. 385 player and No. 35 passer in the 2023 class by 247Sports Composite. He was also selected as the No. 5 player in South Carolina.

Rhames and Upshaw were among the new signees who committed to South Carolina a month ago.

Rose arrived at USC in January 2022, did not see action in any games this season and redshirted.

This story was originally published February 3, 2023 at 3:57 p.m.