Phillip Sims’ second chance has turned into a one-and-done at Virginia. According to a statement released from coach Mike London, Sims, who started four games last season, is “currently enrolled in a summer school session and will be allowed to complete the session.” However, Sims will no longer be part of the team after that session.
Here’s the statement from London:“The thing we tell the young men who come to the University of Virginia to receive a world-class education and play for our football program is pretty simple: Go to class. Show class and treat people with dignity and respect. Those directions are pretty easy to follow and they will lead you on a path of success.
“When an individual strays from those directions, it is very disappointing to me. Phillip Sims did not make the commitment he needed to succeed here. I appreciate his efforts last season. He is a very talented young man who is blessed with some extraordinary athletic abilities. I still believe Phillip Sims can and will be a successful person. We will do what we can to assist Phillip in continuing his academic and athletic opportunities elsewhere.
“The young men who remain with this football program are committed and have done a great job in the classroom, in the weight room and on the practice fields. Our team spring semester grade point average is the highest it has been in the past 10 years and we understand that for us to be successful on Saturdays in the fall, it will require that everyone involved in the program do what is necessary each and every day to prepare to win.”
While the statement doesn’t dive into specifics of what led to Sims’ departure, it sure sounds like he wasn’t willing to pull his weight. Where Sims might end up next is unknown.
Sims came to UVA last spring after transferring from Alabama and received a waiver to play immediately shortly thereafter. He played in all 12 games last season as a redshirt sophomore, throwing for 1,426 yards and nine touchdowns. However, Sims found himself buried in the depth chart this spring and seemed frustrated about the direction he was headed.
With Sims out, UVA’s quarterback battle is expected to come down David Watford and Greyson Lambert. Both redshirted last season, though Watford has some playing experience.