The University of Florida just had a huge blow dealt to its football program. Redshirt freshman quarterback Will Grier, whose productivity has helped the Gators to a surprising 6-0 start and a No. 8 AP ranking, has reportedly been suspended by the NCAA for the rest of the season. ESPN’s Brett McMurphy has the alleged reason for the suspension:
Florida QB Will Grier suspended for season for testing positive for performance enhancing drugs, source told @ESPN
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) October 12, 2015
After all the Will Muschamp era’s struggles at quarterback (some might call it the Jeff Driskel era for this reason), Grier and new head coach Jim McElwain were looking like the leading lights for a new period of SEC success for the Gators. Now, ahead of a top-10 showdown with LSU this coming Saturday, a giant wrench has been thrown into the revival. Treon Harris, whose body of work resembles Driskel more than Grier, will probably assume the starting role for the remainder of the season.
That LSU game was shaping up to be a real measuring stick for the Gators. Already in the top 10, the Gators could have really gained momentum for a College Football Playoff berth with wins over big time programs like the Tigers and Ole Miss, who they stomped a couple of weeks ago. Even with the suspension to Grier, Georgia’s struggles still might gift Florida a path to the SEC East title, and a spot in the SEC title game. Grier’s suspension wasn’t a death knell to the Gators’ season, but it has put what was turning into a dream first season for McElwain in serious jeopardy.
At the Gators’ press conference announcing the suspension, Grier said his positive test was due to an over-the-counter supplement that he didn’t clear with his training staff, so he’s not challenging the veracity of the test. He was obviously affected by the news:
Grier very emotional, "I'm really sorry to everyone. Just really sorry." Grier and McElwain share a hug before Grier leaves.
— Cody Jones (@CodyAJones9) October 12, 2015
@CoachMcElwain puts his arm around Grier as he talks with media about his suspension. pic.twitter.com/zjrvjpsQJX
— Matt Stamey (@stamey) October 12, 2015
And somewhat surprisingly, Florida’s administration is standing by his player:
McElwain: "As a university, we'll appeal this."
— Cody Jones (@CodyAJones9) October 12, 2015
It’ll be interesting to hear what their contention is, considering Grier is admitting to taking a banned substance. Perhaps they’ll take issue with the list of banned substances itself?
Also, it's weird how the official listing of banned substances notes that it's not the full official listing pic.twitter.com/6CW2hIotSn
— Patrick Claybon (@PatrickClaybon) October 12, 2015
Either way, all eyes will be on the University of Florida moving forward, both on the field and in the boardroom.
