Former S.C. back jailed on marijuana-related charge

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Posted 12:00PM on Monday, August 26, 2002

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Former South Carolina running back Derek Watson began serving a 10-day jail sentence Monday after a judge ruled he had failed to perform community service related to a marijuana charge. Watson was led away in handcuffs from the Greenville Municipal courtroom after Judge Matt Hawley imposed the sentence. Watson was dismissed from the Gamecocks by coach Lou Holtz after his arrest in January, and he was hoping to start over with Division I-AA South Carolina State in Orangeburg. Watson was arrested after a police officer caught him with marijuana outside a Greenville nightclub. He was convicted of possession and ordered to perform 240 hours of community service at an ambulance service station, but during a court appearance earlier this month, the judge complained that Watson had logged only 80 hours. On Monday, Hawley said he didn't believe Watson had performed any of the community service and ordered him to do another 240 hours after he gets out of jail. If he doesn't fulfill the new sentence, he'll go back to jail for an additional 30 days, Hawley said. Forest Thomas, the ambulance station director who was supposed to supervise Watson and provide proof he did his work, also was sentenced to a 10-day jail term for contempt of court. The judge also fined Watson's attorneys, Beattie Ashmore and Walt Tollison $500 each for failing to keep proper records of Watson's service. The sentence means Watson apparently will miss South Carolina State's season opener Saturday against Tennessee State. Watson was a three-year starter for the Gamecocks. He gained 1,066 yards in 2000 to lead the team back from an 0-11 record the previous year to the Outback Bowl. But he has gotten into trouble several times since then. Watson never played in the 2000 team's bowl game. Holtz suspended him after Watson admitted wrecking a teammate's car while driving with a suspended license. The following February, Watson got into a dispute with a student referee at an intramural basketball game, and in May he was suspended after being charged with punching a woman. Last season Watson ran for 618 yards, second on the team, and scored five touchdowns.