Gun found in UNCW basketball player’s car

WILMINGTON — A UNCW basketball player accused of gun possession says he’s sorry after he was temporarily suspended from school, and kicked off the team.

Power forward Kevin Swinton wouldn’t comment on the facts of his case today.
he says he’s waiting for the appropriate time for him to tell his side of the story.

Swinton faces two felony charges: possession of a firearm on educational property and possession of a stolen weapon.

Campus police arrested Swinton earlier this week in front of his on-campus apartment, after they received an anonymous tip that he was carrying a firearm.

Police reports indicate that he agreed to let police search his car. They found a loaded .38 in his center console. He’s temporarily suspended from UNCW.

The next step is a hearing, where he can plead his case in front of the dean of students.

Swinton said, “I know the allegations against me are very serious and I understand why the university has taken this temporary action. But I also want people to know that I am a nice person and I am not the type of person that normally has these types of charges.”

Swinton would not address why he had the gun. His lawyer says his client is a first time offender and that expects the matter will end positively.

Swinton is scheduled to appear in New Hanover County district court on November 15.
He may have a clean criminal record, but Swinton does have a history of violating university policy.

Swinton transferred to UNCW from Wake Forest. The school’s athletic department confirms he was suspended from playing in four games for the demon deacons, for violating university policy.

Swinton’s attorney, Woody White, claims that suspension was for playing paintball in the dorms, and that four football players were also disciplined. He adds his client has no criminal record and that his current predicament will end positively.

Swinton will now have a hearing, where he will plead his case in front of the dean of students.