Part of South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia’s “indefinite suspension” should be lifted in the next couple weeks -- at least, that’s what coach Steve Spurrier indicated to the Charleston Post and Courier today.
Garcia, still serving the university-mandated terms of his fifth suspension following a drunken episode at a SEC violence prevention seminar, could return to the team in a limited capacity during summer workouts and Spurrier says it’s because the senior has turned a corner.
“It seems like he’s changed his ways,” Spurrier said of his quarterback. “I hope the university lets him back on the team.”
At this point, hoping is about all Spurrier can do. Even if Garcia is allowed to workout with his teammates, there is still no guarantee he will be suiting up for the Gamecocks this fall. Garcia reportedly still has a list of items he must complete before the university will reinstate him to the team. He is also apparently under the close supervision of medical professionals monitoring his alcohol abuse treatment program.
If Garcia is not reinstated to the team by athletic director Eric Hyman, sophomore Connor Shaw would likely take over the South Carolina offense.