South Carolina Won't Protest

By Author: Jess Kelm
Total Articles: 15
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While the school is obviously hoping that it does not come down to it, the South Carolina Gamecocks have stated that they do not plan to protest potential penalties - say that three times fast - that may incur if the school is found to be in violation of NCAA rules. The allegations have stemmed from a party in South Beach last May, attended by tight end Weslye Saunders and a few other players. Their attendance in the party was question, and the school had also found out that he and several other players had been staying at a hotel.

Spurrier told the players to leave the hotel and find other living arrangements. While it is quite obvious the players would not have the money to board themselves there, the Gamecocks are now under investigation to see if any of the players have violated NCAA rules about receiving extra benefits. Spurrier said today that he has no information on what the NCAA may do.

Historically, if a player is found out to have received said benefits, they typically are suspended for a game or two before being allowed to play again. Saunders, the main culprit in the investigation, has been suspended ...
... by Spurrier for violating team rules. He has not returned to practice, and somewhat oddly, Spurrier has stated that Sunders suspension did not involve either the investigation by the NCAA or the hotel stays. It may be a tough loss for South Carolina, as Saunders had a solid training camp, and led all South Carolina receivers in a scrimmage over the weekend, catching four balls for 63 yards.

Defensive backs Akeem Auguste and C.C Whitlock, along with defensive lineman Ladi Ajiboye have also had practice issues related to the stays at the hotel. The Gamecocks are most definitely feeling the pinch of these issues, and can very well find themselves shorthanded when the season kicks off.