Amanda Knapp
Rakym Felder, a former South Carolina Gamecocks basketball player, was dismissed from the team in 2018 following two arrests in 2016 and 2017. Felder, a Brooklyn native, was a highly-rated prospect and an important part of the team's Final Four run in 2017. However, his legal troubles and subsequent suspension led to his departure from the program. Felder's career at USC ended, and he transferred to Tuskegee University, a Division II school in Alabama, to continue his collegiate career. Felder's journey with the Gamecocks was marked by both promise and controversy, leaving a lasting impact on the team and its fans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Rakym Felder |
| Team | South Carolina Gamecocks |
| Position | Point Guard |
| Seasons | 2016-2018 |
| Departure Reason | Two arrests in 2016 and 2017 |
| Post-Departure Teams | New Mexico Junior College, Tuskegee University |
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What You'll Learn
Rakym Felder's arrests and charges
Rakym Felder, a former South Carolina Gamecocks basketball player, had a promising career ahead of him. However, his journey was marred by multiple arrests and charges, which ultimately led to his dismissal from the team and impacted his collegiate career.
Felder's first encounter with law enforcement occurred prior to his sophomore season, during the offseason in 2016. This incident, which took place in Five Points, resulted in his arrest and suspension from the basketball team. Felder was able to re-enroll during his sophomore year, but he never regained his spot on the basketball roster and ultimately transferred to a different institution.
In July 2017, Felder was arrested again in Columbia, South Carolina. The specific charges included simple assault and battery, resisting arrest, public disorderly conduct, failure to stop on police command, being a pedestrian on a controlled-access highway, and using an altered or another's license or identification card. According to police reports, the incident started when Felder allegedly spat on a woman, triggering a large brawl. Felder was indefinitely suspended from the University of South Carolina's basketball program following this incident. The charges in this case were eventually dropped.
In October 2019, Felder was once more in the headlines for his arrest on charges of assaulting a Columbia police officer. The specific allegations included third-degree assault and battery, disorderly conduct, using an altered license or ID, being a pedestrian in the roadway, refusing to stop on police command, and resisting arrest. According to the incident report, Felder punched a bystander, causing them to lose consciousness. When officers tried to apprehend him, he fled and was eventually apprehended and tased. Felder was released on bond and immediately suspended from all team activities.
The impact of these arrests and charges on Felder's basketball career was significant. While he was a talented player, his repeated run-ins with the law led to his dismissal from the South Carolina Gamecocks and affected his prospects. Felder's journey serves as a reminder of how off-court behaviour can have serious consequences for athletes and their careers.
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Felder's suspension and dismissal from the South Carolina Gamecocks
Rakym Felder, a former South Carolina Gamecocks basketball player, had a promising freshman year, averaging 5.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He played a role in the team's 2017 Final Four run, including a 15-point performance in an upset win over Duke in the NCAA Tournament. However, his career with the Gamecocks was marred by legal troubles and subsequent suspensions.
Felder had two arrests in a span of nine months, the first occurring in October 2016, prior to his sophomore season. This led to his initial suspension from the team. The details of the first arrest are unclear, but the second incident in July 2017 involved charges that he spat on a woman, which started a "large brawl." Felder took responsibility for his actions and apologized to the University of South Carolina community. Despite the charges being dropped, he remained indefinitely suspended from the team.
Coach Frank Martin expressed his fondness for Felder but emphasized the importance of meeting the guidelines and expectations set for the player's return. Felder worked to re-enroll and rejoin the team, but his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. Felder's dismissal from the South Carolina Gamecocks was officially announced in April 2018, marking the end of his collegiate career with the team.
Following his departure, Felder explored opportunities at various educational institutions. He briefly attended Wiley Junior College in New Mexico during the 2018-2019 academic year and intended to sign with Kent State the following year, but it did not materialize. Felder eventually committed to Tuskegee University, a Division II school in Alabama, aiming to continue his basketball career and pursue redemption.
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Felder's transfer to New Mexico Junior College
Rakym Felder, a Brooklyn native, joined the University of South Carolina in 2016 as a reserve point guard. Felder was suspended before the '16-'17 season due to an arrest, the first of two during his time at South Carolina. Felder was dismissed from the team following his second arrest in July 2017, although the charges were dropped. Felder re-enrolled during his sophomore season but was unable to regain his place on the basketball roster and subsequently transferred to New Mexico Junior College to play his sophomore season.
At New Mexico Junior College, Felder started five games, averaging 8.7 points and 5.7 assists per game. However, he only played in eight contests for the team before moving on once again. Felder had initially intended to sign with Kent State the following year, but this never came to fruition. Felder eventually committed to Tuskegee University, a Division II school in Alabama, in 2020.
Felder's departure from the South Carolina Gamecocks was a significant loss for the team, as they were in need of backcourt help. Felder had been a key part of the team's Final Four run in 2017, averaging 5.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game as a freshman. He had also posted nine double-figure scoring games, including a notable 15-point performance in the team's victory over Duke in the NCAA Tournament.
Despite his talent, Felder's time with the Gamecocks was marked by legal troubles and subsequent suspensions. Felder's first arrest occurred in October 2016, prior to the '16-'17 season, and resulted in his suspension from the basketball team. The specifics of this incident are unclear, but it appears to have involved trouble in Five Points, an area in Columbia, South Carolina. Felder's second arrest took place in July 2017 and involved a brawl. Although the charges were dropped, this incident led to his dismissal from the team and indefinite suspension from the program.
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Felder's commitment to Tuskegee University
Rakym Felder, a former South Carolina Gamecocks basketball player, had a promising career ahead of him. However, his journey was interrupted by off-court incidents that led to his suspension and eventual departure from the team. Felder faced legal issues, including arrests, that resulted in his removal from the basketball program. Despite the setbacks, Felder remained determined to continue his basketball career and complete his collegiate journey.
In March 2020, Felder announced his commitment to Tuskegee University, marking a new chapter in his academic and athletic pursuits. Felder's decision to join Tuskegee University demonstrated his perseverance and dedication to his education and sporting ambitions. Felder's choice to attend Tuskegee holds significant importance, as the university has a rich history and a strong foundation in promoting educational opportunities for African Americans.
Tuskegee University, formerly known as Tuskegee Institute, was founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881. The institution was established under a charter from the Alabama legislature with an initial focus on training teachers. Tuskegee's program offered both academic and vocational training, empowering students with practical skills that they could utilise and share within African American communities across the South. Washington faced criticism from individuals who believed he de-emphasized issues such as racism, racial violence, and discrimination. Nonetheless, he persevered, and Tuskegee grew from humble beginnings into a prominent educational institution.
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The impact of Felder's departure on the Gamecocks
Rakym Felder's departure from the South Carolina Gamecocks was a significant loss for the team, especially considering their need for backcourt assistance. Felder was a talented player who had a promising freshman year, averaging 5.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He was an integral part of the team's success during their 2017 Final Four run, including a notable 15-point performance in an upset victory over Duke in the NCAA Tournament. Felder's skills and contributions made him a favourite among fans and coaches alike.
However, Felder's time with the Gamecocks was marred by off-court issues. He was arrested twice, once in October 2016 and again in July 2017, which led to his dismissal from the team. Felder's first arrest occurred before the '16-'17 season and resulted in an indefinite suspension. The second arrest, which involved a brawl, led to his dismissal from the program. Despite the charges being dropped, Felder's future with the Gamecocks remained uncertain.
Felder's absence left a noticeable gap in the team's lineup and performance. As a talented point guard, his presence on the court had been instrumental in the team's previous successes. The Gamecocks struggled to fill the void left by Felder, and his departure dealt a significant blow to the team's overall performance and dynamics. The team faced challenges in finding a suitable replacement, and the loss of Felder's skills and experience contributed to a difficult period for the Gamecocks.
Following his dismissal, Felder made efforts to continue his basketball career. He re-enrolled at the University of South Carolina during his sophomore season but was limited to practising with the team and never rejoined the official roster. Felder then transferred to New Mexico Junior College, where he started five games before his playing time diminished. Subsequently, he intended to sign with Kent State, but it did not materialise. Felder eventually found a new opportunity at Tuskegee University, a Division II school in Alabama, where he committed to playing basketball and working towards a redemption story to close out his collegiate career.
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Frequently asked questions
Rakym Felder was dismissed from the South Carolina Gamecocks basketball team following a pair of arrests in October 2016 and July 2017. Felder was a member of the Gamecocks' Final Four team in 2017.
Felder was indefinitely suspended from the basketball program following his arrests. Although the charges were dropped, Felder never made it back to the basketball roster and transferred following his sophomore year.
Felder played briefly at Wiley Junior College in New Mexico for his sophomore season, starting five games and averaging 8.7 points and 5.7 assists per game. He then committed to Tuskegee University, a Division II school in Alabama.
