Now that Columbus Short has announced that he’s stepping away from his role in Shonda Rimes’ Scandal, rumors are circulating that Eric West could be the one tapped to fill his shoes.

Eric West Replacing Columbus Short?

An insider told Uinterview exclusively that Rimes and company have been quick to replace Short and have selected West for the job. “Note to all,” a memo allegedly read from a Shondaland employee to members of the show’s cast and crew. “Eric West will be replacing Columbus.”

It’s uncertain as to whether West will take over Short’s role of Harrison Wright or if he will be playing an entirely new character in Olivia Pope’s (Kerry Washington) team of gladiators. Currently, the Gladiators only include Pope, Huck, Quinn and Abby.

West, 31, most recently starred on the MTV comedy sketch show Hey Girl with Taylor Gildersleeve and Emily Axford. He also appeared in World War Z and TV series Hawaii Five-0 and The Hurler.

Short left Scandal amid a number of legal issues that could result in the Stomp the Yard actor spending time in jail. He’s accused of assaulting a man outside of an LA club earlier in the year, as well as threatening the life of his estranged wife, Tuere Short, who has filed for divorce and obtained a temporary restraining order against him.

– Chelsea Regan

For More Scandal News:

_{> Columbus Short Will Not Return To ‘Scandal’ Following Personal Troubles}

_{> ‘Scandal’ Season 3 Finale Recap: Rowan Kills Jerry To Get B-613 Back, Jake And Olivia Leave Town}

_{> ‘Scandal’ Recap: Maya’s Terrorist Plot Is Revealed, Huck And Quinn Hook Up}

_{> Columbus Short Arrested On Battery Charge, Has History Of Violent Arrests}