Former Gamecocks Punter Joseph Charlton Sparks Online Buzz After Sideline Access Confusion
Former South Carolina punter Joseph Charlton returned to Williams-Brice Stadium this past weekend for the Gamecocks’ home opener against SC State. But while fans might have expected to see him on the sidelines, Charlton was instead spotted in the stands—sparking speculation that he had been denied access.
The confusion began when Charlton’s girlfriend, Coral Marie, posted a video on TikTok showing the former punter inside the stadium. The clip was paired with a pointed caption:
“Imagine playing 4 years here & not even being let in!”
The post quickly fueled questions about whether South Carolina had blocked Charlton from sideline access. In the short video, Charlton appears to be speaking with security staff, though no additional context was provided.
Fans immediately began weighing in online. While some expressed sympathy for Charlton, many sided with the Gamecocks’ staff.
“He’s a former pro, all he had to do was reach out to Beamer or the athletic department and he would’ve been welcomed,” one commenter wrote. Another added bluntly: “We all pay, bro. Go Cocks!”
Did South Carolina Deny Charlton?
At this point, it’s unclear whether Charlton ever formally requested sideline credentials or if the TikTok post was simply meant to stir conversation. Programs around the country handle alumni access differently—some coaches openly encourage past players to return, while others enforce stricter credential rules.
Florida Gators star Janoris Jenkins once criticized his alma mater for limiting former players’ involvement, but Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer has generally appeared welcoming—so long as the proper steps are taken.
For now, the situation with Charlton looks more like a mix-up than a deliberate slight.
Who Is Joseph Charlton?
Charlton is widely regarded as one of the best punters in South Carolina history. He holds the program’s career punting average record at 45.5 yards per punt, including a stellar 47.7-yard average as a senior.
After college, Charlton went on to play in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars before transitioning into life after football. Today, he runs a pressure washing business in the Columbia area.
Given his legacy with the Gamecocks, there seems to be little reason he wouldn’t be welcomed back by the program. That’s what makes the viral TikTok post—and the brief online stir it caused—all the more puzzling.
