COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Running back Derek Watson, who was arrested in Greenville, S.C., early Saturday and charged with possession of marijuana, was dismissed from the South Carolina football team Monday by coach Lou Holtz.
"I feel badly for Derek, but he clearly understood that if he chose to do certain things, he would no longer be part of the USC football team," Holtz said. "I truly care for Derek as a person."
Watson was arrested following a sting operation at a local nightclub and later released.
The junior from Williamstown, S.C., was charged with simple assault and battery last year after a woman charged him with punching her in her arm.
He also was suspended from the 2001 Outback Bowl for an unspecified violation of team rules.
Watson led the Gamecocks in rushing two of the last three seasons and has 437 carries for 2,078 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career.
