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Charges against Selmon dropped

''It did not meet the burden of proof for a criminal case,'' state says.

By PETE YOUNG, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 23, 2002

TAMPA -- Criminal charges against South Florida football player Lee Roy Selmon Jr. stemming from his arrest for aggravated battery last fall have been dropped.

"It did not meet the burden of proof for a criminal case," said Pam Bondi, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office. "One state witness recanted, and additional witnesses came forward who supported the defense's theory that he didn't commit the crime."

It was the second piece of good news this week for the 21-year-old Selmon. He rejoined the football team for spring practice Tuesday after he was cleared by Student Judicial Affairs and by his father, the school's athletic director. He had been suspended since his arrest Oct. 16.

"It's a feeling of sheer joy," Selmon, a 5-foot-11, 280-pound defensive tackle, said. "I just thank the good Lord above that he has brought me through this ordeal. I had nothing to do with these allegations."

Selmon Sr. said: "This is a great day for our family. What we've been through the past six months has been an unbelievable experience, something I wouldn't want anybody to go through.

"I've been asked a thousand times about the mistake my son made. He didn't make a mistake, and I'm glad the truth is coming out."

Authorities alleged Selmon and others attacked Clint H. Lowman of St. Petersburg, a Hillsborough Community College student, at a large party Sept. 16. The incident occurred at 3714 Jefferson Commons Drive, an apartment complex near the USF campus, and Lowman suffered multiple broken facial bones.

Selmon was arrested a month later, and Lowman filed a civil complaint against Selmon and the apartment complex on Oct. 31. Lowman's attorney, Richard Hirsch, said Friday that the civil case will proceed.

-- Times staff writer Chris Goffard contributed to this report.

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