April 2, 2008

COLUMBIA - University of South Carolina freshman guards Ashlie Billingslea and Jasmine Payne have been summarily suspended from the University, the department of athletics announced today, following charges filed in Richland County on Tuesday. Per University regulation on the specific charges, the two will not be associated with the University until the legal matter has been resolved. In addition, both players have been dismissed from the women's basketball program.

"This was a surprising event and certainly not indicative of the character of our team," women's basketball head coach Susan Walvius said. "I appreciate the support from the University and the athletic department in taking immediate action following a gathering of all the facts. My coaching staff and I are helping our team cope with these events, and we all look forward to re-focusing our attention on the upcoming season."