Clemson's Sammy Watkins arrested - FOX Carolina 21

Clemson University wide receiver Sammy Watkins was arrested Thursday night along with a men's soccer player, according to the university.

The university released a statement Friday that said Watkins, 18, a freshman communication studies major from Fort Myers, FL, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and simple possession of marijuana, both misdemeanors.

Additionally, the school said Amadou Dia, 18, a freshman in parks, recreation and tourism management from Highlands Ranch, CO, and member of the men's soccer team, was charged with simple possession of marijuana.

Watkins and Dia were arrested when police said they stopped the car Watkins was driving after an officer saw it scrape against a curb on campus and because the temporary license tag was not illuminated. They were pulled over about midnight, police said.

According to the university, when the officer pulled the car over in the R4 parking lot off Commons Court near Lightsey Bridge, he smelled marijuana. Officials said during a search he found marijuana and two pills for which Watkins did not have a prescription.

When university police asked Watkins and Dia to exit the car and asked for permission to search the vehicle, Watkins said yes, according to the incident report. Police said when asked if there was any reason why a marijuana smell would be coming from the car, Watkins said, "No, I just got the car not long ago."

According to Watkins' arrest warrant, he had two pills identified as Adderall and Vyvanse on him, which are schedule II drugs.

While searching the car, police said they found a brown medicine bottle behind the carpet in the trunk that had a hand-rolled marijuana blunt inside, according to the report.

Police said they also found a bag of a green, plant-like material on Watkins and another bag on Dia.

Watkins and Dia were taken to the Clemson city jail. Watkins was released Friday morning on a $1,620 personal recognizance bond, and Dia was released on a $620 personal recognizance bond.

Watkins was the Atlantic Coast Conference's offensive and overall rookie of the year following the Tigers' championship season.

On Monday, a sports website listed Watkins and Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd were among 20 names in the potential running for the Heisman Trophy this fall.

Watkins was a first-team Associated Press All-American as an all-purpose player as a freshman. He set league records for freshmen with 72 receptions, 1,073 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns.

Following his arrest, Watkins released the following statement, "I made a mistake last night and I am truly sorry for my actions. I let the team down, the coaches down and this university down. I will learn from this. I will accept any discipline Coach Swinney and the university issues."

Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney released a statement that read, "I am mad and hurt by the poor decision that Sammy Watkins made. He is a good young man who has been a model student, citizen, player and teammate."

"This is a reminder that good people make poor decisions," Swinney said. "But, there are consequences for your actions...and there will be in this case. I am in the process of gathering the facts and discipline will be determined when I have completed that process."

Clemson men's soccer coach Mike Noonan said,"I am obviously very disappointed. His actions go against the values of the Clemson Men's Soccer Program and there will be disciplinary action."

And finally, Clemson University Athletic Director Dr. Terry Don Phillips said he was aware of their arrests and is working with the coaches to determine how to handle the situation.

According to Clemson Police Chief Jimmy Dixon, Watkins was being held at the city's holding facility Thursday night but has since been removed from a city cell.

Dixon said Watkins was arrested by university police but was brought to the city facility because it is the closest holding cell. Watkins will go through the university court system, Dixon said.

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