Sammy Watkins Arrested

By Southern Pigskin Staff
SouthernPigskin.com

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Watkins was released from jail early this morning after posting his $1,620 bond.

Clemson football star Sammy Watkins was arrested on drug-related charges early Friday morning according to Clemson University.

Watkins, who earned first-team All-ACC honors as a true freshman this past season, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and simple possession of marijuana, according to a warrant.

According to a statement released by Clemson University, Watkins was pulled over after an officer saw the car he was driving scrape a curb on campus and because the temporary license tag was not illuminated. A Clemson soccer player was the only passenger in the car at the time of the incident.

After pulling Watkins to the side of the road, the police officer recognized the scent of marijuana upon approaching the car, according to the university's release.

While searching the car, the officer found marijuana, as well as two pills for which the driver did not have a prescription. Watkins and the passenger were promptly taken into custody following the search of the car.

Watkins was released from jail early this morning after posting his $1,620 bond.

“I made a mistake last night and I am truly sorry for my actions,” Watkins remarked in a news release from the Clemson Athletic Department. “I let the team down, the coaches down and this University down. I will learn from this. I will accept any discipline Coach (Dabo) Swinney and the University issues.”

Swinney acknolwedge that he was "mad and hurt" by Watkins' transgressions, and says that he will announce a punishment after he gathers all of the facts from the case.

“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.”

At this time, it is safe to assume that Watkins will, at a minimum, miss the Tiger's first game of the season. Clemson kicks off the 2012 season with a contest against Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta. The Tigers follow up that season opener with home games against Ball State and Furman.