COLUMBIA, S.C., Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Senior forward Rolando Howell of South Carolina may be reinstated to the school's men's basketball team.
Howell has pleaded no contest to a domestic violence charge. He had been accused of allegedly grabbing his former girlfriend, Mary Jones, by the neck, pulling her hair, and hitting her in the face.
Howell was arrested on Aug. 9.
"I realize when some people find themselves in the situation I am in they make an apology and the public does not feel they are sincere," Howell said in a statement. "Today I apologize to the young lady, my parents, (Athletic Director) Mike McGee, Coach (Dave) Odom, and to my team."
"I'm pleased that Rolando Howell's legal situation has been resolved," said Odom. "It has been a difficult period for everyone involved, and now we can move into the next stage."
Odom did not indicate if or when Howell would be reinstated. Last season, the 6-9 native of Columbia, S.C. averaged 10.0 points and a team high 6.3 rebounds per game.
