View Full Version : USC's D. Summers Thread
SPURED
03-01-2005, 06:07 PM
My mom just called me and said that she saw on the news that Summers was kicked off the team for some kind of school or team violations. has anyone else heard this or is it just a rumor? :confused:
USC_fanboy04
03-01-2005, 06:11 PM
Just heard about it as well on the news, seems they didn't know too much either, maybe Neo can dig something up, this really sucks. Kinda hoping to see him do better this season.
Chikin Scratch
03-01-2005, 06:11 PM
My mom just called me and said that she saw on the news that Summers was kicked off the team for some kind of school or team violations. has anyone else heard this or is it just a rumor? :confused:
It's true...he's gone. It was just on the local news here (WIS-TV). For violation of team rules. It was either stealing, fighting, or drugs. These are the three things Spurrier told his team today that would get them kicked off.
LesR923
03-01-2005, 06:16 PM
What a waste of everything........
cocky4ever
03-01-2005, 06:19 PM
Well, that sucks. I was thinking he would have a great season this year. I hate to see someone with such potential end up like he has but I guess he did it to himself. Good thing we're not hurting too bad at that position.
SPURED
03-01-2005, 06:21 PM
What a waste of everything........
i know if i had the talent he had i wouldnt waste it like that
WayzUp
03-01-2005, 06:23 PM
I
DON'T
GET
IT!
Even at the college age you have to be able to realize how rare it is when God given talent meets the perfect opportunity. It's a rare thing Demetris. I hope whatever it was you did to deserve this dismissal was worth it.
By the way...tell Derrick Watson we all said hello. He probably has a story or two to tell you of his good 'ol days.
what a waste.....
Gamecock51
03-01-2005, 06:33 PM
I heard that it was drugs that got him kicked off of the team. Lets all be brutally honest, everyone knew he was a thug the first day he got here and it was only a matter of time before he got himself into deep sh**
Dr. Pepper
03-01-2005, 06:55 PM
I heard that it was drugs that got him kicked off of the team. Lets all be brutally honest, everyone knew he was a thug the first day he got here and it was only a matter of time before he got himself into deep sh**
My sources tell me the same thing. Just remember, that it is heresay at this point. While it is a shame that he has blown a chance at football greatness, it is a bigger concern that he and many others like him have a drug problem. Drugs have ruined many good people. We need to be more concerned about the toll that drugs places on our society. There is too much wasted potential in our world.
Gamecocks#1
03-01-2005, 06:56 PM
Demetris Summers Dismissed From South Carolina Football Team
Gamecock tailback in violation of athletics department policy
March 1, 2005
Columbia, S.C. - Demetris Summers, the leading rusher on South Carolina's football team over the past two seasons, has been dismissed from the squad for violation of athletics department policy.
"There are certain policies and rules that our student-athletes must follow and unfortunately, Demetris chose to violate those," said USC head coach Steve Spurrier. "That's where we are with this and we'll move on from here."
Summers, a 6-1, 205-pound rising junior from Lexington, S.C., rushed for 1,125 yards and four touchdowns the past two seasons, while averaging 5.3 yards per carry. He had 23 receptions for 211 yards and two touchdowns over that time period. His career high rushing effort came in 2003, when he ran for 161 yards and three touchdowns against UAB. He also had a standout 158-yard rushing performance that season against Tennessee in Knoxville. Summers was named to the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman squad in 2003.
Summers came to USC following a heralded prep career at Lexington High School, where he was named Parade All-America. He is the state of South Carolina's all-time leading rusher with 9,076 career yards and also holds the state record for career touchdowns with 127. Tom Lemming's recruiting service rated him the #1 running back prospect in the nation following his senior season.
USC2001
03-01-2005, 07:06 PM
USC running back Demetris Summers kicked off football team
Demetris Summers
Rick Henry with Demetris Summers off the USC squad
(Columbia) March 1, 2005 - Demetris Summers was considered one of USC's star players, but now is no longer a Gamecock.
USC has confirmed Summers was kicked off the squad, but the athletic department has not issued further comment on the nature of the violation of team rules.
In a statement from USC, head coach Steve Spurrier says, "There are certain policies and rules that our student-athletes must follow and unfortunately, Demetris chose to violate those. That's where we are with this and we'll move on from here."
Summers rushed for 487 yards last season with an average of 5.5 yards per carry with 65 yards receiving. He was hampered by injuries in the '04 season and sat out two games.
As a freshman in 2003 he appeared in 11 games with eight starts at tailback. He was the team's second leading rusher with 638 yards on 124 carries and three touchdowns. His per carry average was a solid 5.1 and he averaged 58 yards rushing per game. He had 12 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns.
He was also named to the SEC Coaches All-Freshman squad.
Summers hails from Lexington, SC and graduated high school at Lexington High. He gained national attention as the state of South Carolina's all-time leader in high school career rushing yards (9076) and in career touchdowns scored (127).
More information as it becomes available
USC2001
03-01-2005, 07:08 PM
I have heard in the past the only two reasons he will kick someone off the team is for fighting or for drugs. I guess this will send a message to everyone else.
I have heard in the past the only two reasons he will kick someone off the team is for fighting or for drugs. I guess this will send a message to everyone else.
*UPDATE*
According to what I'm being told, Summers in fact did fail a drug test that came back positive for traces of Marijuana. As far as I'm being told, Summers is gone for good. It's highly doubtful that Spurrier is going to change his mind on this incident.
Fightin' Gamecock
03-01-2005, 07:23 PM
Can someone please explain this and ive been out of the loop for awhile so if this is old jsut get me back up to date!!!
Djshockley3
03-01-2005, 07:27 PM
That is not good for u guys.
That is not good for u guys.
Well, it doesn't really hurt us that bad.
We still have Boyd, Turman, Rank, Young, Lamar and a few others.
fernandomike
03-01-2005, 07:40 PM
That is not good for u guys.
No, it is not good news. Summers made our defense look silly two years. I don't know if you guys have anyone else with that kind of talent. Guys like him don't grow on trees though.
fernandomike
03-01-2005, 07:41 PM
Well, it doesn't really hurt us that bad.
We still have Boyd, Turman, Rank, Young, Lamar and a few others.
Or maybe you do have others that talented.
No, it is not good news. Summers made our defense look silly two years. I don't know if you guys have anyone else with that kind of talent. Guys like him don't grow on trees though.
No they don't. It doesn't make me feel good, but we have plenty of guys that can pick up the slack if they bring their game up a notch.
Looks like our recruits Mike Davis/Taylor Rank may get early playing time afterall.
Or maybe you do have others that talented.
Before this incident occurred, it was said that USC had the best crop of TB's in the SEC. If Holtz did one thing, he managed to get the best TB's to come here.:)
ColonelKurtz
03-01-2005, 07:50 PM
In a HUGE blow to the team, promising RB Demetris Summers has been dismissed from the team for violation of team rules according to SOS.....
Columbia News (http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3016488)
Djshockley3
03-01-2005, 07:51 PM
Yeah that is really gonna hurt USC.
Dr. Pepper
03-01-2005, 07:56 PM
Again, if we have a guy who can throw from point A to point B, then we will not have to worry about who our running back is. The field will open up and my grandmother will be able to gain 1000 yards.
Again, if we have a guy who can throw from point A to point B, then we will not have to worry about who our running back is. The field will open up and my grandmother will be able to gain 1000 yards.
Well Dr. Pepper,
So many people are forgetting that Summers was injured almost the entire season in 2004? :confused:
We are so deep in TB talent, I honestly don't think this will hurt us. We still have Turman, Boyd, Davis, Lamar, Young, Rank, Ashcraft and a few others. :)
Dr. Pepper
03-01-2005, 08:05 PM
How well I know that Summers was hurt last year. I remember wanting him to run all over Georgia and I think he was hurt on the first or second play. He was not a factor for us last year.
ColonelKurtz
03-01-2005, 08:33 PM
Based upon what has been shared by several trusted sources, DS wasn't 'prepared' for the implimentation of the rules which ALL must abide by. That said, DS and his 'suspension' last year was more related to this 'unopreparadness' than was 'injury'. You draw your own conclusions. That said, I was also told that he will not be the first nor the last....new sheriff, new culture, SOS means business.
SPURED
03-01-2005, 08:37 PM
Based upon what has been shared by several trusted sources, DS wasn't 'prepared' for the implimentation of the rules which ALL must abide by. That said, DS and his 'suspension' last year was more related to this 'unopreparadness' than was 'injury'. You draw your own conclusions. That said, I was also told that he will not be the first nor the last....new sheriff, new culture, SOS means business.
glad the new sheriff is actually doing his job. we dont need thugs or drug addicts on our team. we need guys that are serious about football and serious about winning
glad the new sheriff is actually doing his job. we dont need thugs or drug addicts on our team. we need guys that are serious about football and serious about winning
Well said Spured! I feel bad for the kid, but he knew the rules and he made his own choice. For that, I do NOT feel bad.
LesR923
03-01-2005, 08:49 PM
Lets not start calling the kid a drug addict just yet. Im sure he had his fun, but get real.....its all over the place in all colleges, not just an isolated incident at only USC. He was a high profile player in a high profile place. He did however have his priorities in the wrong place. Its very unfortunate, but not deserving of the "addict" label. It is a tremendous blow to our program, people even saying that more is to come (not good).... but we will get by. We may not have the type of season that we were all anticipatng and hoping for, but we will be just fine in the end. I agree Spured, I too am glad to see someone laying down the law. I wish DS the best of luck with whatever path he chooses to take....................but I wouldn't count on that victory over South Carolina ("Big 3")............ We'll be just fine
LesR923
03-01-2005, 08:51 PM
just fine............... ;)
USC_fanboy04
03-01-2005, 09:03 PM
I'm looking forward to seeing Boyd playing more now. It's a shame we won't be able to see how good DS would have been w/ a more wide open offense. But hey, Steve is doing what a good coach does, lay down the law.
USC_fanboy04
03-01-2005, 09:06 PM
Bah, didn't take long for Espn to jump on this...this really doesn't do good for school reputation.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2002780
ColonelKurtz
03-01-2005, 09:18 PM
Bah, didn't take long for Espn to jump on this...this really doesn't do good for school reputation.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2002780
@#$% ESPN, so desparate are they. I hope DS gets his act together, he's a kid and I've kids his age, it is very unsettling. Whenever a new HC comes in, things change and sometimes the kids simply aren't prepared for it, but like I said, SOS is in Cola to win and it will be done by his will and direction.
(If any of you SC fans haven't figured it out yet, I like the hell outta him.)
Cockrocker
03-01-2005, 10:14 PM
I hate like hell to lose Summers because I thought he was ready to have a break out year. But discipline is a must if you are going to have a championship team. I hope Demetrius can learn from this and go on to be successful somewhere. If the problem was marijuana, that does not make him a bad guy. It just means he was not being smart. Spurrier has done the right thing.
Is it a huge blow? No! We've got good running backs in house and more on the way. It just means we won't have the opportunity to see a local boy be something special. (At least not here.)
Good things are on the way. While a disappointment, the loss of Summers will turn out to be merely incidental. The Gamecocks, like their coach, are going to kick @$$ and take names.
Dr. Pepper
03-01-2005, 10:44 PM
glad the new sheriff is actually doing his job. we dont need thugs or drug addicts on our team. we need guys that are serious about football and serious about winning
I agree. The best way to change a culture is to hold people accountable for their actions. If rules are broken, then the punishment must be fair and swift. We (American society) have been too lenient too long. As far as athletes are concerned, it goes all the way back to Middle School. DS didn't start using marijuana last week (I presume). I am not sure about all of DS's story, but, in general, parents need to teach their children that there are consequences to bad behavior, coaches need to kick athletes who can't follow the rules off the team, school boards need to back up their coaches and teachers when they offer discipline, and judges need to throw those who sell the stuff in jail and throw away the key.
CarolinaGrad
03-01-2005, 11:17 PM
I guess everyone has heard that Summers was dismissed from the Carolina football team. Here's the link for the TV broadcast about it.
http://www.wltx.com/video/newplayer.aspx?aid=11937&sid=25409&bw=
uscballer101
03-02-2005, 12:18 AM
I say congrats to Spurrier for sticking to the rules he set for them...Sucks it has to be Summers...
SPURED
03-02-2005, 12:46 AM
sorry he isnt an addict just a user.
SPURED
03-02-2005, 12:50 AM
so with all this that has happened since holtz retired how much did he really change the culture of usc football?
so with all this that has happened since holtz retired how much did he really change the culture of usc football?
Look at the expectations of the fans. That's a start. :)
WayzUp
03-02-2005, 06:07 AM
so with all this that has happened since holtz retired how much did he really change the culture of usc football?
The culture of any schools' football is within the fans and around the campus. This incident with Summers, while unfortunate, isn't the thing that will make or break our season. Boyd, in Spurrier's offense, has at least as good a chance at being special-good as Summers did. With him, everyone else returning and those Spurrier brought in, the fans and students still expect to win rather than hoping to.
I think every South Carolina fan would agree with me when I say I'd rather have Demetris Summers on the team rather than off it. But at the same time, I'd rather see our program draw that line in the sand and not allow this kind of behavior to go on just because the player happens to be one of their starters.
The culture of any schools' football is within the fans and around the campus. This incident with Summers, while unfortunate, isn't the thing that will make or break our season. Boyd, in Spurrier's offense, has at least as good a chance at being special-good as Summers did. With him, everyone else returning and those Spurrier brought in, the fans and students still expect to win rather than hoping to.
I think every South Carolina fan would agree with me when I say I'd rather have Demetris Summers on the team rather than off it. But at the same time, I'd rather see our program draw that line in the sand and not allow this kind of behavior to go on just because the player happens to be one of their starters.
I agree 110%. For this team to be successful, there must be discipline and control. I don't think Spurrier wanted to do this, but he must make a stand or become irrelevent in his player's eyes. What is to be learned from this? I think this sent a message in the harshest tone that drug abuse will not be tolerated at all within the boundaries of the University of South Carolina's football team.
Though as a fan, I would love to have Summers on the sidelines, he wasn't our best tailback in my eyes. He was very injury-prone and didn't have the breakaway speed. Too many people have forgotten that he was practically injured all of last year with a high ankle sprain. According to what I'm being told, he was quite lazy and thought that he deserved being a starter because of who he was.
Well, with this recent turn of events, now is the time for Boyd, Davis and Rank to step up. I personally don't think that Summers' loss will hurt us that much, but somebody needs to step up and assume the role that has now been vacated.
WayzUp
03-02-2005, 06:49 AM
Just a little comparison for the sake of discussion. :rolleyes:
REGGIE BUSH - Southern Cal
6' 0" 200 Pounds
4.41 40-Yard Dash
CORY BOYD - USC
6' 1" 210 Pounds
???? 40-Yard Dash
I say let's see what the guy can really do in a wide open offense. He's got to be right there with Bush in terms of speed...and he's about the same size. And Boyd has already had his share of flashes in Holtz's plodding offense...if anyone will benefit from Spurrier's arrival, it's Cory Boyd.
Just a little comparison for the sake of discussion. :rolleyes:
REGGIE BUSH - Southern Cal
6' 0" 200 Pounds
4.41 40-Yard Dash
CORY BOYD - USC
6' 1" 210 Pounds
???? 40-Yard Dash
I say let's see what the guy can really do in a wide open offense. He's got to be right there with Bush in terms of speed...and he's about the same size. And Boyd has already had his share of flashes in Holtz's plodding offense...if anyone will benefit from Spurrier's arrival, it's Cory Boyd.
If I'm not mistaken, Boyd is the fastest TB at USC with a 4.43/40.
TyThunder
03-02-2005, 06:57 AM
Ok, what did he do now?
Ok, what did he do now?
Failed a drug screen for the second time. Obviously he was fond of Marijuana. :mad:
GRASSHOPPER
03-02-2005, 07:32 AM
Thank God We Have A Stable Of Running Backs. Tell Ya The Truth Boyd Has Out Played Him All Along! Boyd Has Been The Money Back!
Thank God We Have A Stable Of Running Backs. Tell Ya The Truth Boyd Has Out Played Him All Along! Boyd Has Been The Money Back!
It would appear that Wallace, Rank and Davis may get early playing time afterall. :)
izaclown
03-02-2005, 07:58 AM
sorry he isnt an addict just a user.
Unfortunately, this was his second violation, as report by several news sources. The term 'addict' does start creeping in to the valid adjectives list. I hate it for him, but this is his chance to turn it around somewhere else. SS does not seem to put up with some of the stuff Holtz did.
Unfortunately, this was his second violation, as report by several news sources. The term 'addict' does start creeping in to the valid adjectives list. I hate it for him, but this is his chance to turn it around somewhere else. SS does not seem to put up with some of the stuff Holtz did.
ESPN is chiming in now...
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2002780
vmandan
03-02-2005, 08:09 AM
I think Steve Spurrier is setting a good example that rules are not to be violated. I do sort of feel bad for Summers, that he made a bad decision, but he has made it before and knew the punishment for a second violation. For all of you that suddenly think that USC's running game is going to be sh*tty. You are wrong. We still have Boyd, Turman and Mike Davis!!
Summers was another Derek Watson in the making. Good for Spurrier and USC to get rid of Summers, set an example and continue their efforts to build a Top 10 team this season!!!!!!!!!
BigSpur
03-02-2005, 08:13 AM
THis is great. The only way it could be better is if he would of taken Noah Whiteside and Syvelle Newton with him. These three along with Graduating Matthew Thomas were the 4 dumbest players to ever put on a Gamecock Uniform. I called them Lou's goons. I was actually upset at the thought of Spurrier using Summers. All he does is dance all over the field and take big losses. Cory Boyd is a Ernest Graham proto-type and Daccus Turman is a hard runner all day long. To think that they are now the starting backfield without Summers in the way is a dream come true. I am now changing my prediction from 7-4 to 8-3, Summers leaving is definetly worth 1 more game.
THis is great. The only way it could be better is if he would of taken Noah Whiteside and Syvelle Newton with him. These three along with Graduating Matthew Thomas were the 4 dumbest players to ever put on a Gamecock Uniform. I called them Lou's goons. I was actually upset at the thought of Spurrier using Summers. All he does is dance all over the field and take big losses. Cory Boyd is a Ernest Graham proto-type and Daccus Turman is a hard runner all day long. To think that they are now the starting backfield without Summers in the way is a dream come true. I am now changing my prediction from 7-4 to 8-3, Summers leaving is definetly worth 1 more game.
I can tell you aren't very fond of Summers. :D
OmahaBound
03-02-2005, 08:25 AM
When I first read Neo's post last night that he was kicked off the team for weed I was a little disappointed. I could certainly respect the decision to kick him off the team, but I did disagree with it. However, now that I know it was his 2nd violation it was absolutely the right thing to do.
As far as the addict discussion is concerned....studies seem to indicate that weed does have addictive properties to it, but they are not as strong as cocaine, heroin, or the harder drugs. I've never personally smoked any but most of my friends have at least a few times and I wouldn't label any of the people I know that smoked addicted. This isn't a good thing for Summers however, because this basically intimates that he could have stopped if he wanted to. Instead he chose to break the rules, and he'll have to live with the consequences.
When I first read Neo's post last night that he was kicked off the team for weed I was a little disappointed. I could certainly respect the decision to kick him off the team, but I did disagree with it. However, now that I know it was his 2nd violation it was absolutely the right thing to do.
As far as the addict discussion is concerned....studies seem to indicate that weed does have addictive properties to it, but they are not as strong as cocaine, heroin, or the harder drugs. I've never personally smoked any but most of my friends have at least a few times and I wouldn't label any of the people I know that smoked addicted. This isn't a good thing for Summers however, because this basically intimates that he could have stopped if he wanted to. Instead he chose to break the rules, and he'll have to live with the consequences.
Marijuana is addictive mentally, not necessarily physically.
troxel3
03-02-2005, 08:34 AM
Before this incident occurred, it was said that USC had the best crop of TB's in the SEC.
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm No. Not even close.
And by the way.....
Zook'erd (Zuk-Er-D)
To be fired because the fans/alumni are spoiled rotten.
So fans of a school that has a rich tradition of winning are supposed to lay back and watch the program go down the drain and say nothing? At what point should Zook have been fired? After they dropped below .500? That is not being spoiled rotten by any means.
How about this one.............
Spurrierosis......a disease in which a fan falls into a mindset that a mediocre team can become a giant because of one man.
:)
OmahaBound
03-02-2005, 08:37 AM
I think BigSpur likes winning, but that's about all he likes. Summers was an all or nothing guy. He would take losses or get stuffed at the line, but then he would break off a 30 yard run. I agree that Boyd can be a stud in Spurriers offense, but I don't think he will be that much better than what Summers would have been if healthy. Summers was never really healthy during his two years here, and I think getting stuffed at the line would have been less of an issue with a legitimate spread offense this year. He messed up his opportunity to be a national star though. I think he still has a chance to make it to the NFL as long as he gets his act together and produces big in I-AA.
I'll make one prediction for the year as well....if we end the season 5-6, which is certainly possible considering a new system and a brutal schedule we will be reading BigSpur's comments in December about how the game has passed Spurrier by, and maybe he wasn't the best pick for the job after all.
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm No. Not even close.
And by the way.....
So fans of a school that has a rich tradition of winning are supposed to lay back and watch the program go down the drain and say nothing? At what point should Zook have been fired? After they dropped below .500? That is not being spoiled rotten by any means.
How about this one.............
Spurrierosis......a disease in which a fan falls into a mindset that a mediocre team can become a giant because of one man.
:)
Hey...Don't be stealing my ideas now... :cool: I started that stuff.
I do not think that Zook should have been fired. Nope! Look at what coach he was following? Can or will that same success be repeated? I seriously doubt it.
Did you know within the first (1st) week of Zook's hiring, the www.fireronzook.com website was active? What does that tell you?
OmahaBound
03-02-2005, 08:45 AM
So fans of a school that has a rich tradition of winning are supposed to lay back and watch the program go down the drain and say nothing? At what point should Zook have been fired? After they dropped below .500? That is not being spoiled rotten by any means.
How about this one.............
Spurrierosis......a disease in which a fan falls into a mindset that a mediocre team can become a giant because of one man.
:)
What's interesting about these statements is how hypocritical they are. Florida doesn't have a rich tradition of winning at all, except for the Spurrier years.
What's interesting about these statements is how hypocritical they are. Florida doesn't have a rich tradition of winning at all, except for the Spurrier years.
Good point....
So the "Spoiled Rotten" comment would be correct?
Anyways, aside from the fact that you dislike USC Troxel, it was widely known that with Summers, Boyd and Turman that USC had the best crop of TB's in the SEC.
JBryant12
03-02-2005, 09:05 AM
is there any chance that he will be allowed to sit out this year and then come back to the team next year....kinda like they did with Derek Watson except he chose to play somewhere else Furman i believe....
If they did allow this does anybody believe that he would come back?
BigSpur
03-02-2005, 09:11 AM
I think BigSpur likes winning, but that's about all he likes. Summers was an all or nothing guy. He would take losses or get stuffed at the line, but then he would break off a 30 yard run. I agree that Boyd can be a stud in Spurriers offense, but I don't think he will be that much better than what Summers would have been if healthy. Summers was never really healthy during his two years here, and I think getting stuffed at the line would have been less of an issue with a legitimate spread offense this year. He messed up his opportunity to be a national star though. I think he still has a chance to make it to the NFL as long as he gets his act together and produces big in I-AA.
I'll make one prediction for the year as well....if we end the season 5-6, which is certainly possible considering a new system and a brutal schedule we will be reading BigSpur's comments in December about how the game has passed Spurrier by, and maybe he wasn't the best pick for the job after all.
Summers would break a run every now and then, but would never make up for the negatives he brought with injuries, lack of blocking, and dancing around in the backfield. Especially with no passing game any loss in the backfield ruined our offense, but he could not seem to understand that. And when you say Summers was all or nothing, looks like I am right, he turned out to be nothing. The only player I can compare him to is Watson. I think D Summers was half the man Derrick Watson was. First of all Derrick had a lot of reasons to fail, while Summers had none. And when Watson broke one he took it to the house, something Summers never could do. Summers was a waste, and I am glad he's gone. If you look at a the thread I started about how many games USC will win next year I predicted 6, and said I would not be dissapointed at all. You need to take things in context. There is a difference between my critisism of Odom(and yes this is where you are getting this from) who has been in place for 4 years and has consistently underachieved and a first year head coach who is trying to change the whole attitude of a program. My main reasons for the 6-5 record I predicted is because of the "brutal schedule"(my exact words in the toughest schedule thread) so your telling me nothing I don't know.
BigSpur
03-02-2005, 09:13 AM
is there any chance that he will be allowed to sit out this year and then come back to the team next year....kinda like they did with Derek Watson except he chose to play somewhere else Furman i believe....
If they did allow this does anybody believe that he would come back?
S.C. State, and no there is no chance he's gone
is there any chance that he will be allowed to sit out this year and then come back to the team next year....kinda like they did with Derek Watson except he chose to play somewhere else Furman i believe....
If they did allow this does anybody believe that he would come back?
For starters,
The info I'm getting is that he's finished at USC. Spokesman Kenny Tharp would NOT rule out him possibly returning at a later date, but wouldn't go any further. My sources at the university have said that currently, Spurrier has NO interest in bringing him back at any time.
If they allow him to come back next year, I would disagree. You have to get the "cancer" off of the team before it spreads. Right now, this incident is creating a lot of thought amongst the players. They now know that if they break the rules, they're gone. Simple as that.
JBryant12
03-02-2005, 11:11 AM
Derek Watson did worse things but he still had a chance to come back....and i believe that Summers deserves as much....not that i think he would come back anyway. He should be able to sit out the year and if he keeps his grades up, formally apologizes to the team and goes thorugh drug tests he should be given the chance to rejoin the team....
drkralc
03-02-2005, 11:56 AM
Hey Neo, doesn't USC still have Gonzie Gray in its stable? He showed some flashes last year especially as a sort yardage runner, I thought anyway.
Hey Neo, doesn't USC still have Gonzie Gray in its stable? He showed some flashes last year especially as a sort yardage runner, I thought anyway.
Nope...he was a senior.
Derek Watson did worse things but he still had a chance to come back....and i believe that Summers deserves as much....not that i think he would come back anyway. He should be able to sit out the year and if he keeps his grades up, formally apologizes to the team and goes thorugh drug tests he should be given the chance to rejoin the team....
Here's a quote from Spurrier when he was talking about Summer's HS coach; (Satterfield)
"You know coach, we ask them to do certain things and if they're not going to do it, we're not going to keep them here."
OmahaBound
03-02-2005, 12:53 PM
Quick question....there was at least one post saying Summers was a thug and this was no surprise at all. What has he done in the past in high school or at USC that makes him a bad guy other than smoking weed recently? I'm not criticizing those posts or fighting them. I'm legitimately asking because I never heard anything and just wanted to get the whole story.
CockyTatGuy
03-02-2005, 04:07 PM
I hate to see meat go, but I am glad that the decision was made to cut him loose. My uncle that I go to the games with is an alumni, he has told me over and over that he thinks one of the reasons we struggle so much is because of this. He was saying that there really isn't much to do in town other than get drunk or smoke weed. I don't know what kind of schedule the drug tests are on, but I hope that they will be in such an order that players will be discouraged from even thinking about tokin up.
I don't know what kind of schedule the drug tests are on, but I hope that they will be in such an order that players will be discouraged from even thinking about tokin up.
I think with the dismissal of Summers, that alone is going to discourage any type of "hooliganism".
JBryant12
03-03-2005, 11:21 AM
Summers will still have his takers despite fall from grace at USC
By JOSEPH PERSON
Staff Writer
A day after South Carolina sophomore Demetris Summers was dismissed from the team for failing a second drug test, Iowa State assistant coach Todd Fitch fielded calls in his office in Ames, Iowa, from college coaches inquiring about the Gamecocks’ former tailback.
Fitch, who recruited Summers as a member of ex-USC coach Lou Holtz’s staff, said a couple of Division I-AA coaches called him Wednesday seeking information about Summers, who rushed for 1,125 yards and four touchdowns during the past two seasons.
“I’m sure there are going to be a lot of people inquire about him, a lot of the I-AA schools,” Fitch said. “He does have the potential to play at the next level. It doesn’t matter if he’s I-AA or not. He’s got to go show that he can play.”
USC coach Steve Spurrier refused to comment on Summers, repeating that the dismissal was for a violation of athletic department policy.
Summers, the Parade All-American from Lexington who led the Gamecocks in rushing in 2004, almost has certainly taken his last snap at USC. Under the athletic department’s wellness program, athletes who fail a second drug test are kicked off their teams for two years.
If Summers were to apply for reinstatement after the two-year period, he would have one year of eligibility remaining. The more likely scenario would be for him to transfer.
Under NCAA transfer rules, Summers would have to sit out a year if he enrolls at another I-A school, but he would be eligible to play immediately at a I-AA program. S.C. State coach Buddy Pough, a former Gamecocks assistant, has accepted several USC transfers over the past few years, including Derek Watson.
Watson was another high-profile, in-state running back whose USC career ended because of a drug incident. He was dismissed after a marijuana arrest in 2002 and played his final season at S.C. State, a I-AA school in Orangeburg.
Pough said he preferred not to talk about Summers until he is officially released from his scholarship, adding that the Bulldogs do not have any scholarships available. “I don’t even know that I’d have the ability to take him,” Pough said.
NCAA rules require athletes to be eligible at the time of their transfer in order to be eligible at their new school, a situation that Watson faced when he left for S.C. State. USC officials have confirmed that part of the NCAA’s two-year investigation of the Gamecocks’ athletics program involves Watson’s academic status at the time of his transfer.
USC sports information director Kerry Tharp said Wednesday that Summers is in good academic standing.
Summers’ dismissal could affect USC’s academic progress rate, or APR, the NCAA’s new measuring stick for classroom success. Schools below the 925 threshold lose a scholarship when a player leaves a school and is ineligible at the time of his or her departure.
If Summers, who will remain on scholarship until the end of the semester, were to stop going to classes, he potentially could cost the program a scholarship.
Reach Person at (803) 771-8496 or jperson@thestate.com.
YouGotSpurred
03-03-2005, 01:41 PM
I Personally Think That Cory Boyd Is The Best Running Back That We Have Anyway. This Kid Will Try To Run Through A Brick Wall For This Team. Anyone Remember The Hit He Laid On The Virginia Safety A Couple Of Years Ago? Plus I Have Confidence In Him Catching The Ball Out Of The Backfield. Good Things Seem To Happen When He Is On The Field. I Was Actually Hoping That He Would Get A Look At Wr Since We Have Such A Deep Backfield, Just To Get Him On The Field Some Kinda Way. Boyd Is Just Tough As Nails. When He Sprained His Ankle Last Year It Appeared Absolutely Horrible, But He Was Back Playin Again The Next Week. One More Thing A Lot Of People Are Not Aware Of Is That Coming Out Of High School, Wisconsin Had Him Rated The #1 Running Back In The Country On Their Charts.
BigSpur
03-03-2005, 01:45 PM
I Personally Think That Cory Boyd Is The Best Running Back That We Have Anyway. This Kid Will Try To Run Through A Brick Wall For This Team. Anyone Remember The Hit He Laid On The Virginia Safety A Couple Of Years Ago? Plus I Have Confidence In Him Catching The Ball Out Of The Backfield. Good Things Seem To Happen When He Is On The Field. I Was Actually Hoping That He Would Get A Look At Wr Since We Have Such A Deep Backfield, Just To Get Him On The Field Some Kinda Way. Boyd Is Just Tough As Nails. When He Sprained His Ankle Last Year It Appeared Absolutely Horrible, But He Was Back Playin Again The Next Week. One More Thing A Lot Of People Are Not Aware Of Is That Coming Out Of High School, Wisconsin Had Him Rated The #1 Running Back In The Country On Their Charts.
Yep, I've been hollering his name since he got to Columbia, but meat was Holtz's Derrick Watson part 2, and nobody else is allowed to carry the ball. I actually think Boyd is a much better fit to Spurrier's offense than Summers would of been.
Yep, I've been hollering his name since he got to Columbia, but meat was Holtz's Derrick Watson part 2, and nobody else is allowed to carry the ball. I actually think Boyd is a much better fit to Spurrier's offense than Summers would of been.
Boyd has the speed that Summers lacked. Summers had the ability to make you miss.
BigSpur
03-03-2005, 01:59 PM
Boyd has the speed that Summers lacked. Summers had the ability to make you miss.
Yea I can't remember one run Summers had where he broke through and took it to the house, I remember a lot of runs D. Watson had where once he broke through no one was going to catch him. I think Summers was more or less a waste of time, besides for one game at Tennessee his "career" was a fog to me. Most of the runs he made would of been made by Boyd or Gray, there was rarely a moment when he ran, and you said to yourself, nobody but Summers could do that. He either had a hole to run through or he didn"t.
Yea I can't remember one run Summers had where he broke through and took it to the house, I remember a lot of runs D. Watson had where once he broke through no one was going to catch him. I think Summers was more or less a waste of time, besides for one game at Tennessee his "career" was a fog to me. Most of the runs he made would of been made by Boyd or Gray, there was rarely a moment when he ran, and you said to yourself, nobody but Summers could do that. He either had a hole to run through or he didn"t.
To an extent, I believe you are correct. Whenever Summers touched the ball, it was either a BIG gain or a HUGE loss. There wasn't an inbetween.
larryt4111
03-03-2005, 05:56 PM
It's About Time
I agree. The best way to change a culture is to hold people accountable for their actions. If rules are broken, then the punishment must be fair and swift. We (American society) have been too lenient too long. As far as athletes are concerned, it goes all the way back to Middle School. DS didn't start using marijuana last week (I presume). I am not sure about all of DS's story, but, in general, parents need to teach their children that there are consequences to bad behavior, coaches need to kick athletes who can't follow the rules off the team, school boards need to back up their coaches and teachers when they offer discipline, and judges need to throw those who sell the stuff in jail and throw away the key.
YES PEOPLE NEED TO BE HELD MORE RESOPNSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. OUR SOCIETY HAS BEEN TOO LIBERAL FOR TOO LONG.
AT LEAST SOS HAS THE GUTS TO CLEAR THE DECKS AND SET HIGH STANDARDS/ RULES THAT ARE APPICABLE FOR ALL!!!!!
NO MORE DERICK WATSON BULL SHIT !!!
Running backs are a dime a dozen !!!
RECRUTE 25 PEOPLE WITH THE HEART AND DESIRE OF "RYAN BREWER", AND WE WOULD GO 12-0 EVERY YEAR ! BUT HE WAS ONE IF A KIND!!!!!!!!
The SUMMERS had problems in H.S. it was just a question of time before he ran afoul with SOS's determitation to change the ststus quo. I also feel that
Sevell Newton's time is also comming. Howerever I am surprised at THOMPSON'S actions, but I guess I sholdn't have been.
STEVE IS SETTING THE BAR HIGH, AS HE SHOULD. I APLAUDE HIM.
GO GAT..'S, [sorry, GATOR GRAD HERE] ...GO COCKS!!!!!!!!!!!! GO SOS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OmahaBound
03-03-2005, 07:36 PM
I guess I'm alone on this one, but there were definitely plenty of runs for Summers where I was amazed at how he would keep his balance. Plenty of those long runs he had he was breaking tackles or spinning off of people that I didn't think he had any chance of keeping control and continuing down the field. He needed that isolation to make 2 or 3 people miss though. When he had to break through a two foot wide gap with 2 huge defenders and 2 huge O-linemen in his way he couldn't do it.
Let's just stop all the exaggeration about how bad he was. He was a sophomore who was injured much of his two years. There's no way to know that he wouldn't have blown up this year if healthy, especially since he was apparently working so much harder during the winter workouts.
I'm not saying it's anywhere near this bad....believe me....I'm not. But I would hate to see this site go downhill and become like The State messageboard, which I just can't look at anymore since it's become so asinine. This is easily the best messageboard I have ever found, regardless of the topic, and that has everything to do with the great work by the administrators and the intelligent discussion that goes on. I would hate to see purely-emotional football discussion overtake intelligent football discussion.
On that note I guess it's time to admit I'm probably overreacting and reading too much into posts. I'm used to reading posts on this site that I almost always completely agree with and that seems to be happening a lot less lately. I just hate conflict I suppose, hehe. Good thing I'm going into a profession where I'm the boss and you better do what I tell you, hehe.
WayzUp
03-03-2005, 08:14 PM
[QUOTE=OmahaBound]I guess I'm alone on this one, but there were definitely plenty of runs for Summers where I was amazed at how he would keep his balance. Plenty of those long runs he had he was breaking tackles or spinning off of people that I didn't think he had any chance of keeping control and continuing down the field. He needed that isolation to make 2 or 3 people miss though. When he had to break through a two foot wide gap with 2 huge defenders and 2 huge O-linemen in his way he couldn't do it.
Let's just stop all the exaggeration about how bad he was. He was a sophomore who was injured much of his two years. There's no way to know that he wouldn't have blown up this year if healthy, especially since he was apparently working so much harder during the winter workouts.
QUOTE]
Oh I don't think you're alone at all on what you said about Summers. He rarely went down on the first hit when he was healthy...that's why I couldn't wait to see what he could do if given a little bit of room to work with. I hope he straightens himself out and lives up to his talent because he is definitely a gifted tailback.
But the lesson the rest of the team learned, the incoming recruits learned and all of Gamecock nation learned is that Spurrier has drawn the proverbial line in the sand and not even a starting RB can cross it and get a do-over. The lesson everyone affected by this situation was taught will do more for this football team than Demetris Summers ever could have. I think that's the conclusion a lot people have come to. We're just fortunate that we are as deep at running back as we are. And I still think Cory Boyd is going to have a coming out party this year.... :D
Now, as for this OTHER incident with Moe Thompson....Jonathan Hannah might be a bigger steal than we all first thought seeing as he'll get a lot more reps with Moe in trouble, if he did do it.
Chivas
03-03-2005, 08:14 PM
they kicked him out for marijuana use? i don't know if i agree with that ;/
USC2001
03-03-2005, 08:30 PM
You think that he should be allowed to smoke Marijuana because he can play football? It is still illegal for football players also. As much as I hate to see him go, this was not the first time that he tested positive. It comes to the point that you have to be a man and understand that there are consiquences for your actions. I guess he can be happy he did not get the $565.00 ticket to go along with that weed (the fine for simple posession of marijuana).
BigSpur
03-04-2005, 08:13 AM
I guess I'm alone on this one, but there were definitely plenty of runs for Summers where I was amazed at how he would keep his balance. Plenty of those long runs he had he was breaking tackles or spinning off of people that I didn't think he had any chance of keeping control and continuing down the field. He needed that isolation to make 2 or 3 people miss though. When he had to break through a two foot wide gap with 2 huge defenders and 2 huge O-linemen in his way he couldn't do it.
Let's just stop all the exaggeration about how bad he was. He was a sophomore who was injured much of his two years. There's no way to know that he wouldn't have blown up this year if healthy, especially since he was apparently working so much harder during the winter workouts.
I'm not saying it's anywhere near this bad....believe me....I'm not. But I would hate to see this site go downhill and become like The State messageboard, which I just can't look at anymore since it's become so asinine. This is easily the best messageboard I have ever found, regardless of the topic, and that has everything to do with the great work by the administrators and the intelligent discussion that goes on. I would hate to see purely-emotional football discussion overtake intelligent football discussion.
On that note I guess it's time to admit I'm probably overreacting and reading too much into posts. I'm used to reading posts on this site that I almost always completely agree with and that seems to be happening a lot less lately. I just hate conflict I suppose, hehe. Good thing I'm going into a profession where I'm the boss and you better do what I tell you, hehe.
Like Larry said, Running backs are a dime a dozen, we don't need the ones who stay injured, don't know how to block, smoke dope, and are coddled by the coaching staff. Just give me the ones that play hard and do what they are told.
JBryant12
03-04-2005, 09:03 AM
After lookin at what that UGA player did and hes still allowed to stay on teh team im startin to believe Summers should have been suspended this year and then allowed to return next year....Look at what Marcus Vick did and VT is letting him come back....Summers should be given one more chance
YouGotSpurred
03-04-2005, 10:03 AM
I Think At A Lot Of Places, Summers May Be Given Another Chance, But Not With Sos. He Has To Show That There Will Be No Room For Ignorance On His Football Teams. It Just So Happen That Meat Was The First One To Find Out. I Hate That He Is Gone Because I Know He Had The Potential To Be A Real Star At Usc, But I Still Think That Boyd Is The Best Running Back That We Have.
BetweenTheHedges
03-16-2005, 07:43 PM
This is probably old news but I just heard that he was kicked off the SC team? Is this true? If so, this is a HUGE loss for the cocks.
Someone verify this for me.
uscballer101
03-16-2005, 07:46 PM
yeah, you are right...its old news...and it is true...but we wont hurt too much...
BetweenTheHedges
03-16-2005, 07:47 PM
How does this not hurt you? If I'm not mistaking, he was the top RB out of HS and when he wasn't injured was a force for the gamecocks.
Who will replace him?
I can't believe I missed this news.
GatorNation
03-16-2005, 07:50 PM
This is probably old news but I just heard that he was kicked off the SC team? Is this true? If so, this is a HUGE loss for the cocks.
Someone verify this for me.
I heard on ESPN tonight that usc is losing 9 schollie players (for sure) due to criminal activity....at least for spring ball. Are they gone for good, or will SS reinstate them in the summer??
uscballer101
03-16-2005, 07:50 PM
I mean, it wont hurt us too terribly, yeah he was #1 RB in the nation...but was always injured...Corey Boyd, Daccus Turman, Mike Davis...We have RB's...
uscballer101
03-16-2005, 07:51 PM
5 are def gone for good...I dont know who these other 4 would be...
GTmorris1970
03-16-2005, 08:09 PM
How does this not hurt you? If I'm not mistaking, he was the top RB out of HS and when he wasn't injured was a force for the gamecocks.
Who will replace him?
I can't believe I missed this news.
Yes, he is gone for good, for allegedly failing his SECOND drug test. First one under Holtz, with NO punishment. Cory Boyd is the starting running back. Many in Columbia did not believe, including me, that Summers was going to play much anyway. Cory Boyd is a Spurrier type running back. We also have one of the most sought after TB's in the country out of HS coming in the fall. :)
GTmorris1970
03-16-2005, 08:10 PM
I heard on ESPN tonight that usc is losing 9 schollie players (for sure) due to criminal activity....at least for spring ball. Are they gone for good, or will SS reinstate them in the summer??
5 are gone for good, if they all are convicted on their felony counts. Summers is already gone for good. As Spurrier said, "Anyone who embarrasses this football team will no longer be with us". He also said he does not feel ANY of these players will be missed come fall.
dudeman0501
03-16-2005, 08:18 PM
Threads merged...
CockyTatGuy
03-18-2005, 01:19 AM
I am more encouraged each time I see a press conference, I know SOS is dead set on running a clean program. Seems like all of the things us Gamecock fans have been excited recently and in the past are falling into place. From what I have heard we have got Blake straightening up and hopefully he will develop into the QB that we all believed he would be, I remember at the start of last year screaming to see Blake get the playing time over Syvelle. We are going to get to see Syvelle in a place where he can showcase his speed and talent at the WR position, also I believe that the WR position is going to be stellar this year with Whiteside, Newton, Rice, Thomas, and Murdock.
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