Kenny Miles' gunshot wound was self-inflicted, according to sheriff

The gunshot wound Kenny Miles received treatment for last week was self-inflicted, according to Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott.

The gunshot wound former USC running back Kenny Miles suffered was self-inflicted, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said at a Tuesday news conference.

Miles is under a doctor's care and will be charged with filing a false report in the near future, Lott said.

The sheriff did not speculate why Miles might have shot himself.

Miles issued a statement through his attorney apologizing for his actions but offering no further clarification as to why or how he shot himself in the arm:

"Last week I made a big mistake by not being up front about how the shooting occurred. I was not involved in any criminal activity. However, I was scared and worried how my actions would be perceived. I only made matters worse by not telling the truth. I make no excuses for my behavior.

"I would like apologize to Sheriff Leon Lott and the entire Richland County Sheriff's Department; my employer, The Office of the Attorney General; my teammates and coaches; The University of South Carolina Community; friends; family; fans; and anyone else that I've disappointed.

I appreciate the support and prayers of the Gamecock Nation. I want you to know that I do not take your support lightly or for granted. I only hope that you will forgive me and allow me to earn your trust back over time."

Lott won't comment on Miles' motives for shooting himself, and I won't either--other than to point out that this incident cannot help but exist within the context of the recent self-inflicted shooting deaths of former Gamecocks Kenny McKinley and O.J. Murdock.

Mind you, there's nothing to suggest that Miles was trying to kill himself -- or even trying to shoot himself -- but the suddenness of McKinley's death and other, similar tragedies throughout the sport of football have left indelible scars on our collective psyche. As such, the focus of my concern is, for the time being, more closely centered on Kenny's physical and mental health rather than the legal issues presented by his impending criminal charges.

As I try to play out in my mind potential explanations for Miles' actions, none them are good (unless, of course, it was a complete accident) and all leave me hoping that Kenny Miles has a solid support system in place to help him get through whatever got him to this point and whatever consequences might follow.