South Carolina player pleads to domestic assault

[TexasStooge]

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Court TV) — University of South Carolina basketball center Rolando Howell was fined $50 and ordered to complete a 26-week counseling program after pleading no contest last week to domestic violence charges.

Howell had been arrested Aug. 9 at the apartment he shared with his girlfriend, Mary Jones, who told police that he grabbed her neck, pulled her hair and hit her in the face.

After he completes the domestic abuse counseling program and pays the fine, his 30-day jail sentence will be suspended.

Howell, who averaged 10 points and 6.3 rebounds a game last season, was suspended from the Gamecocks after his arrest. Coach Dave Odom said the school will review the situation and determine his status on the team.

South Carolina opens the new season Nov. 17 against Gardner Webb.