The Gamecocks haven't been fighting as hard as we'd like, but it seems that actual cockfigthing is alive and well in South Carolina.

U.S. Attorney W. Walter Wilkins announced the indictment Nov. 4 of 21 people for their alleged involvement in cockfighting derbies held near Swansea in Lexington County and near Oceida in Williamsburg County.

State and federal officials conducted a 13-month, undercover investigation that involved attending eight cockfighting derbies.

The indictments allege "that the defendants operated an unlawful animal fighting venture and an illegal gambling business, and that they conspired to violate the Animal Welfare Act by staging or participating in cockfighting contests."

Penalties could include up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each charge.

Agencies involved in the investigation include the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service and the South Carolina Attorney General's Office.

The prosecuting attorney will be Nathan S. Williams, assistant U.S. attorney in the Columbia office.