In a recent development, three University of South Carolina football players—Monteque Rhames, Anthony Rose, and Cameron Upshaw—have been suspended from the team. The university has not disclosed specific details regarding the reasons for their suspension.
However, Richland County jail records indicate that Monteque Rhames, a freshman defensive end who recently moved on campus, was arrested on charges of carrying weapons on school property and obstructing justice. The arrest occurred following an incident at the 650 Lincoln dorms on January 25, where campus police responded to a housing complaint involving a rifle. The incident report lists Rhames, Rose, and an unnamed juvenile as suspects.
In response to the incident, the university has taken swift action. In a letter to residents of the 650 Lincoln residence hall, J. Rex Tolliver, USC’s vice president for student affairs and academic support, stated that the involved students have been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, suspended from school, removed from the residence hall, and are not permitted on campus. Tolliver assured residents that there is no ongoing threat and expressed gratitude for the cooperation between staff and students in addressing the situation.
Head Coach Shane Beamer emphasized the program’s commitment to accountability, stating, “Our student-athletes know what is expected of them. They know that both the University and the football program will hold them accountable for their actions and decisions.”
Monteque Rhames, a Sumter native, was a four-star recruit in the 2023 class, ranked as the No. 385 player and No. 35 edge rusher nationally. He was also listed as the No. 5 player in South Carolina. Rhames and Upshaw had enrolled at South Carolina just a month prior to the incident, while Rose joined the program in January 2022 and redshirted the past season.
This incident adds to a series of challenges faced by the South Carolina football program in recent years, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and adherence to university and team policies.