So, Sindarius Thornwell’s name is all over the news in South Carolina, but not for a buzzer-beater or a new contract. Nope—this time it’s for a domestic violence arrest, and honestly, it’s kind of wild to see how fast things can go sideways.
Arrest Linked to Alleged August Blow-Up
Cops in Richland County say they picked up Thornwell, 30, on Tuesday, Sept. 2, after an incident a few weeks back. Apparently, stuff went down on Aug. 12 just north of Columbia. The story? A woman told deputies that Thornwell hit her while she was holding a kid, and also chucked a cup of water that nailed them in the head. Not exactly a highlight reel moment.
Thornwell’s side? He denies smacking her but admits he tossed the cup. Honestly, not the best defense, but hey, it’s something. WIS News had the details.
After a bit of investigation, cops slapped him with two charges:
- Second-degree domestic violence
- Unlawful conduct toward a child
A judge set his bond at $25,000, and as of Wednesday morning, Thornwell was still cooling his heels in jail.
From March Madness Hero to NBA Nomad
Let’s not forget—this guy used to be THE dude in South Carolina hoops. Back in 2017, Thornwell basically dragged the Gamecocks to the Final Four. I mean, he was everywhere—scoring, defending, leading the squad like a boss.
He started every single game in college, dropped almost 15 points a night (over 21 as a senior!), and made himself a legend in Columbia. That run? Iconic.
NBA teams noticed. The Bucks grabbed him in the second round, then traded him to the Clippers. But, like, the NBA’s cold. He mostly came off the bench in LA, then bounced to the Pelicans for 16 games and had a blink-and-you-miss-it stint with the Magic. By 2021, his NBA days looked pretty much done. Since then, he’s been hopping around Europe and Asia, never quite recapturing that college magic.
Hometown Star, Now in the Headlines for All the Wrong Reasons
Thornwell’s roots are pure South Carolina—Lancaster High, then Oak Hill Academy up in Virginia (which, if you know hoops, is basically a factory for NBA talent).
But now? Instead of making noise in March Madness, his name’s coming up in court documents. Kind of a gut punch for fans who watched him light up the Colonial Life Arena.
The legal case is still moving through the system. Thornwell hasn’t made any big public statements yet, besides saying he didn’t hit anyone. Next court date? No clue yet.
So yeah, for now, the guy who once had the whole state behind him is facing something way darker. Life comes at you fast.
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