Clemson defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart is back with the team after a charge against him for “carrying or displaying firearms (on) school property” was dropped.
Capehart rejoined the program late last week and will be eligible for the start of spring practice on Wednesday after going through a pre-trial intervention program, a Clemson athletics spokesperson told The State’s Chapel Fowler.
The change in Capehart’s status comes after the redshirt senior was charged with “carrying or displaying firearms (on) school property” and for “failure to exercise due care while operating a motor vehicle,” as The Tiger previously reported. Before the charges were dismissed, Capehart was suspended from team activities, awaiting the University and legal process to be completed.
Capehart’s weapons charge was dismissed on Feb. 21 on grounds of “prosecutorial discretion,” and his traffic charge was dismissed the following day on similar grounds, according to Pickens County Court filings.
The pre-trial intervention program for the South Carolina 13th Judicial Circuit, where Clemson is located, provides “rehabilitative services with the goal of deterring the defendant from committing future crimes,” according to the program’s website. The website also states that an adult who is charged with a crime may only participate in the program once in a lifetime. Some possible program requirements include paying a $250 program participation fee, completing community service work and passing random drug screens.
Clemson will begin spring practice on Wednesday afternoon. Head coach Dabo Swinney will address the media prior to practice and will likely address Capehart’s status, as well as the status of wide receiver Noble Johnson, who was arrested for a misdemeanor reckless driving charge and was injured in a car crash earlier this month.
Capehart, a former four-star recruit, had his best season as a Tiger in 2023, finishing with 15 total tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble.