If the cops in Columbia acted like the cops in Athens, South Carolina wouldn't be able to field a team in many sports.
When was the last time you heard of someone being arrested for "obstructing a public sidewalk"? Athens cops actually arrest students for traffic violations while cops everywhere else in America simply issue citations. The player was released on a $39 bond, how serious could the charge be?
On the flip side, Athens cops let the homeless do absolutely whatever they want in downtown Athens. I guess students are a much more lucrative target.