Former South Carolina basketball standout Sindarius Thornwell was arrested Tuesday on domestic violence and child-related charges, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Thornwell, who famously led the Gamecocks to the 2017 NCAA Tournament Final Four, has been charged with second-degree domestic violence and unlawful conduct toward a child, the department confirmed in a news release.
The 30-year-old Lancaster native is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. As of 12:30 p.m., jail records showed no bond had been set, and details on when his bond hearing will take place remain unclear.
Details of the Incident
The charges stem from an incident on Aug. 12 at a home in the 200 block of Glenn Village Circle in Blythewood. Deputies responded to a report of domestic violence around 8:30 p.m.
According to investigators, the victim told deputies that Thornwell assaulted her during a verbal dispute while she was holding their young child. The woman alleged Thornwell threw a cup of water at her and struck her in the back of the head.
Thornwell denied hitting the victim but admitted to throwing the cup of water, according to the sheriff’s department.
The victim sought medical treatment at a hospital. While information about her and the child’s condition has not been released, investigators said additional evidence supported the victim’s statement. A warrant was issued, and Thornwell was taken into custody Tuesday morning.
Court Proceedings
Thornwell’s first court appearance following a bond hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 21, according to Richland County judicial records.
If convicted of the misdemeanor domestic violence charge, he faces up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine under South Carolina law. The felony child-related charge carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine.
Thornwell has prior arrests for speeding and other traffic-related violations, including an instance where he was cited for driving more than 25 mph over the limit, court records show.
Thornwell’s Legacy at South Carolina
A legend in Columbia, Thornwell remains the only player in program history to be named SEC Player of the Year (2017). That same season, he earned All-SEC First Team honors, made the SEC All-Defensive Team for the second time, and powered USC to its first-ever Final Four appearance.
He ranks third all-time in scoring for the Gamecocks with 1,941 career points. As a senior, Thornwell averaged 21.4 points per game during the historic 2016-17 season, finishing his career with 132 games played. He was also selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2014.
Professional Career
Thornwell was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 48th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft but was immediately traded and began his career with the Los Angeles Clippers. He went on to play for the New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic, appearing in 160 NBA games across four seasons and averaging 2.5 points per game.
After leaving the NBA in 2021, he pursued an international career, competing in Germany, Turkey, Poland, and most recently in China with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association in early 2025.
Developing Story
This remains a developing situation, and more details may emerge as the case moves forward. The State will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
