South Carolina running back Oscar Adaway has filed a criminal complaint against a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper, stemming from an incident that took place during the Gamecocks’ November 15 matchup against Texas A&M. The complaint, filed on December 12, accuses the trooper of assault following a physical altercation that was captured on video and widely circulated across social media.
The video, which shows a state trooper aggressively pushing through Adaway and teammate Nyck Harbor before appearing to scold them, quickly drew national attention. Fans, analysts, and even high-profile athletes like LeBron James weighed in, with many calling for disciplinary action against the trooper. The footage sparked intense backlash, particularly among South Carolina supporters, who questioned the trooper’s conduct on the sideline.
In the immediate aftermath, the Texas A&M Police Department released a statement indicating that the trooper had been removed from his gameday assignment. However, the department has declined to release the trooper’s name, and efforts by South Carolina’s athletic department to identify him have so far been unsuccessful.
Adaway took the additional step of contacting the Texas A&M Police to report the incident as an assault, according to reports. The Brazos County District Attorney is now weighing whether to pursue formal charges, a decision that could hinge on the visibility and clarity of the video footage.
Adaway’s attorney, B. Keith Jackson, issued a statement highlighting concerns about law enforcement accountability, particularly in that region. “The blue wall is a real thing as it relates to protecting their own, in this part of the country more so than others,” Jackson said, adding that he believes the video evidence significantly increases the likelihood of charges being filed.
For Adaway, the incident has had a lasting impact beyond the field. According to the report, he has started working with a sports psychiatrist and has been dealing with sleep issues since the confrontation. The running back also shared that he had never previously experienced a negative interaction with law enforcement.
This situation continues to unfold, but what’s clear is that the sideline moment-initially just another scene in a heated SEC matchup-has become something much larger. It’s now a legal matter, a viral flashpoint, and a deeply personal experience for a young athlete who didn’t expect to find himself in the middle of a national conversation.