South Carolina Football Players Cleared, Look toward NFL Careers

By Joe Tacopina

Introduction

Two former University of South Carolina football players recently cleared of wrongdoing in a bar fight competed for professional football jobs this summer, with one landing a position on an NFL roster. Defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles has been added to the New England Patriots after standout play in training camp and preseason games. After a summer practicing with the Cincinnati Bengals, cornerback Victor Hampton was cut, although he could still be picked up by another team.

Hampton and Quarles

Hampton and Quarles, who both were star players at the University of South Carolina, were questioned after an incident in April at a New York City nightclub. Joe Tacopina, the players’ attorney, said Hampton and Quarles asked two patrons at the nightclub to stop smoking marijuana there. One patron became agitated and punched Hampton, while the patron’s friend stabbed former South Carolina defensive end Chaz Sutton.

Conclusion

In late April, Tacopina announced that the players would not face charges. “They were never wanted,” Tacopina told The Post and Courier of Charleston. “They cooperated with police. They gave statements, and they were vindicated.” Tacopina added that the players were “victims from day one.”