Candice Sanders

Candice Marie Sanders (born February 21, 1977) is a former beauty pageant contestant from Brownsville, Tennessee.

Sanders first competed in the Miss USA pageant system in 2000 when she placed first runner-up in the Miss Tennessee USA pageant. The following year she repeated that placement, placing first runner-up to Allison Alderson. In 2002, after moving to California to attend university, Sanders competed in California as Miss Greater Los Angeles USA and won the Miss California USA 2003 title in her first attempt in that state.

Sanders represented California in the Miss USA 2003 pageant broadcast live from San Antonio, Texas in March 2003, but did not place. The nationally televised event was won by Susie Castillo of Massachusetts.

On New Year's Eve, December 31, 2006, Sanders filed an action alleging domestic abuse against sportscaster Jim Lampley. She claims that she received "injuries to my head, neck and back from his throwing me against the walls and door" of his Encinitas, CA apartment, and that he had been drinking and smoking marijuana before attacking her. Lampley posted bail of $35,500. On February 22, 2007, Lampley pleaded no contest to a minor violation of a temporary restraining order and all charges of domestic violence were dissolved. San Diego County prosecutors found "insufficient evidence" to charge him. Lampley, however, issued the following public apology to Sanders and her family.

On behalf of James Lampley his attorney has authorized the release of the following apology to Candice Sanders:

"It is with considerable regret and deep embarrassment that I acknowledge having overreacted to a household dispute with Candice Sanders on New Year's Eve. As a result of my anger, our dispute has become a matter of public discussion and speculation and I accept responsibility for that. To bring closure to this process, I am offering my full and unconditional apology to Miss Sanders and her family, as well as to all my friends, family and professional colleagues who have been unwarrantedly damaged by the events of that night. Miss Sanders feels very deeply and sincerely, as do I, about the rights of women and children. She will be a powerful symbol on their behalf, and I will thoroughly support and encourage her organized efforts in this regard. At the same time, I would encourage all to look favorably on Candice's efforts and contribute wholeheartedly to the advancement of this cause." -James Lampley

At the time of her reign, Sanders was a student at Pepperdine University pursuing a double major in religion and creative writing. She was the second Pepperdine student to win the title, following Shannon Marketic who held the Miss California USA and Miss USA titles in 1992.