Suspended Garcia Comes out throwing

[Chief Broom]

:ohmy: Suspended Garcia comes out throwing

Quarterback learns rules of ‘suspended-player-that-can-watch-practice’

By JOSEPH PERSON

jperson@thestate.com (jperson@thestate.com)

USC quarterback Stephen Garcia is suspended from participating in team activities, but the freshman attended the Gamecocks’ first spring practice Tuesday and threw passes afterward under the watchful eyes of a couple of coaches.
“He’s out there throwing on his own a little bit,” USC coach Steve Spurrier said following the two-hour workout in shorts and helmets. “As long as he’s not involved in any team activities, he can sort of pitch around on his own.”
Spurrier then turned toward the far field of the practice facility where quarterbacks coach David Reaves was watching Garcia throw and offering occasional tips.
“Let’s see how Garcia looks,” Spurrier said.
On cue, the 6-foot-2, 212-pound Garcia fired a 25-yard spiral on a rope to an unidentified receiver.
“He looks pretty good, doesn’t he?” Spurrier said to no one in particular.
This was supposed to be the spring that Garcia began learning Spurrier’s Cock ‘n’ Fire offense and competed for playing time. But not long after enrolling early at USC in January, Garcia was arrested twice in a two-week span and was suspended for the remainder of the semester.
The Tampa, Fla., native has applied for pretrial intervention on the misdemeanor charges of drunkenness and malicious injury to personal property. A third charge — failure to stop on police command — was dropped.
Garcia showed up to practice wearing a No. 5 jersey, but was told to take it off.
“He mistakenly wore a jersey out. He’s not supposed to wear a jersey,” Spurrier said. “He didn’t know the rules of the suspended-player-that-can-watch-practice. We give them to him as we go.”
Comings and goings. Senior tight end David Laggis apparently will not return for a fifth season. “Laggis is not with us anymore,” Spurrier said. “I turned around one day and he didn’t show up anymore, so I don’t know what his plans are.”...
Four defensive players were suspended from practice for violating the athletic department’s class attendance policy. Defensive backs Aubrey McKay and Chris Hail and defensive linemen Jordin Lindsey and Joel Reaves are expected to return Thursday.
Injury report. Starting right tackle Justin Sorensen was held out after getting injured during a spring break incident. “He had a little injury downtown. Y’all didn’t hear about it?” Spurrier said. “Y’all go talk to Sorensen. He’ll tell you about it.”
The 6-7, 309-pound Sorensen, who wore a bandage at the base of his skull, was unavailable for comment.
Position switches. USC coaches could not decide whether Jared Cook was a tight end or receiver. But the 6-5, 235-pound sophomore made the decision easier by running the 40-yard dash in a blistering 4.37 seconds.
“We moved Jared Cook to wide receiver. He was the fastest offensive player on the team in the 40,” Spurrier said. “Somebody said he ran the same thing as (ex-Georgia Tech receiver and projected top-5 NFL pick) Calvin Johnson.” ... Freshman Nick Prochak moved from safety to tight end.
Extra points. Tailback Taylor Rank and linebacker Dakota Walker, who were sent home from the Liberty Bowl for violating university policy, practiced Tuesday. ... The Gamecocks practiced in Under Armour jerseys for the first time since switching from Russell. ... USC plans to scrimmage at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Its pretty obvious that Stephen means a lot to the future of USC, Tuberville would have set him straight much earlier.

[uscrebel]

Yeah. I'm really glad to see Spurrier stand on his principles like this. I'm sure assigning him to one-on-one throwing duty with the Quarterback Coach has sent a stern message.

Likewise, Garcia must be quaking in his boots when he picks up the State paper and finds that the premier story on Spring practice is not how the squad is doing but how he is doing. He must be terrified for his future when reads,
“Let’s see how Garcia looks,” Spurrier said.
On cue, the 6-foot-2, 212-pound Garcia fired a 25-yard spiral on a rope to an unidentified receiver.
“He looks pretty good, doesn’t he?” Spurrier said to no one in particular.

I am actually a bit disappointed in Spurrier, he has always been so straight about these things in the past. Mitchell and Smelley must be looking over their shoulders at this point.

[RW13]

We've finally become an SEC player now, this is how all of the old guard would've handled it. Halleleujah (sp?)!!!

[hmsdawgs]

Not sure this is anything to be proud about RW.
All programs have problem childs...thats the way it will always be.
But this "punishment" by Spurrier does not fit the crime. Garcia shouldnt be allowed with in sight of any of his coaches while doing football activities. Being suspended from practice means exactly that...no practice at all in front of coaches. It shouldnt mean show up a couple of minutes after practice is over and have the head coach not only watch you but compliment you on your arm.

[RW13]

The SEC made it's name on this kinda stuff, as well as paying players, it's well documented. We're just doing what Auburn, UGA, UT, BAMA, etc. have done over the past. Now let's just hope we can win like them.

[BamaFanNKy]

I guess as an Alabama fan have to chime in.


I think Spurrier is giving the kid a chance. He may not deserve it to some of you.... but he is a kid who made a big mistake. I think throwing him out of practice and letting him wander campus is worse. You don't want him running free away from parents if he has this problem. Football will help him focus and see what he is throwing away.

[Cianne]

Big mistakes. Gotta keep it plural for him.

And I'm sure football will keep him focused. Just like it kept Moe Thompson focused for the Gamecocks.

[hmsdawgs]

I wasnt saying the coaches should turn a blind eye to him and forget about him all together. My point is that the coaches need to keep tabs on him 24/7 and know where he is at on campus, random checks on him when he is not at class, and things of that nature.
Hell, even give him a schedule of when to throw and train.
But thats where it should end...when he is doing football related activities, the coaches shouldnt be around him coaching him...and especially not making comments that make it out into the press about how good he looks.

[gatorunvrsty]

The SEC made it's name on this kinda stuff, as well as paying players, it's well documented. We're just doing what Auburn, UGA, UT, BAMA, etc. have done over the past. Now let's just hope we can win like them.

Great point. Rather than learn from the mistakes of others, you'd prefer to make the same ones.:brick: Experience may be the best teacher; but I think others' experiences qualify. “Those that fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it." I don't think any team would say they made a wise decision about their wrongdoing and subsequent penalties.

[Cianne]

Rather than learn from the mistakes of others, you'd prefer to make the same ones

Perhaps USC's history department is on par with Auburn's sociology department.

[BamaFanNKy]

So let me get this straight. Everyone but me and the USC fans would go ahead and not let the guy be around his position coaches. Just check up on him and make sure he's doing good. But don't give one on one time!?!?

[gatorunvrsty]

Perhaps USC's history department is on par with Auburn's sociology department.

:ohmy: You think the classrooms are the same? You know; with the capital, lower case, and cursive alphabet tacked up all around the walls.:laugh:

[Chief Broom]

So let me get this straight. Everyone but me and the USC fans would go ahead and not let the guy be around his position coaches. Just check up on him and make sure he's doing good. But don't give one on one time!?!?


To me suspended from practice means suspended from doing football work with your team and your coaches. He should be able to workout (on his own), study the playbook (on his own) and watch practice in street clothes from the stands. If he can get together for some pass & catch with recievers outside of structured practice that would be OK.

[gatorunvrsty]

So let me get this straight. Everyone but me and the USC fans would go ahead and not let the guy be around his position coaches. Just check up on him and make sure he's doing good. But don't give one on one time!?!?

Of course. He's suspended from all football team activities. He doesn't have to be on the field throwing to receivers for the coaches to keep tabs on him. He could be in the library with a tutor, reading books about integrity; and the coaches would know where he was. Although I'm beginning to wonder if they could find a tutor or book on the campus concerning the subject. Spurrier makes him take off his jersey; and that solves the problem?:azz: Please tell me that you don't think the shirt he wears determines whether or not he's participating.

[OmahaBound]

Of course. He's suspended from all football team activities. He doesn't have to be on the field throwing to receivers for the coaches to keep tabs on him. He could be in the library with a tutor, reading books about integrity; and the coaches would know where he was. Although I'm beginning to wonder if they could find a tutor or book on the campus concerning the subject. Spurrier makes him take off his jersey; and that solves the problem?:azz: Please tell me that you don't think the shirt he wears determines whether or not he's participating.

He threw the ball for 5-10 minutes after practice. Me thinks you're overblowing this.

[RW13]

Perhaps USC's history department is on par with Auburn's sociology department.

Nope, many of our history majors go on to the esteemed profession/endevour of law/law school. We're way better..

[lacene]

To me suspended from practice means suspended from doing football work with your team and your coaches. He should be able to workout (on his own), study the playbook (on his own) and watch practice in street clothes from the stands. If he can get together for some pass & catch with recievers outside of structured practice that would be OK.

as a USC fan, I agree with this. Punishment is punishment. I winced when I read the practice report, and about Garcia showing his stuff for Spurrier. I do not think that sends the right message as proper punishment for Garcia. Especially considering that he's a true freshman, and SC is going to be rather deep at the QB position this year: no real need to be lenient due to a possibility that Garcia may have to actually lead the team, because they have no one else. This was a good time to lay the law down and get the message across, without compromising Garcia's college career much.....

[gatorunvrsty]

He threw the ball for 5-10 minutes after practice. Me thinks you're overblowing this.

I'm overblowing it if this is the only instance of this kind of thing happening. But, if it continues, a pattern is clearly developing. It sure seems like the staff can't even enforce their own penalties where Garcia is concerned. They're pushing the envelope, already. If that's the stance they're going to take, why suspend him at all. I think it has less to do with Garcia personally; and is more telling of the attitude of the coaching staff. If they were trying to send a strong message to Garcia and the other players about the seriousness of these situations, they succeeded. The message is: Regardless of your actions, your potential is so important, that we're willing to compromise our integrity and relax our consequences to the point that there really are none. Again, if this was the only time, that'd be one thing. But, it doesn't sound that way; and, I'm not sure there's any more incentive to behave than there was before. You have to wonder what that means to the other players. Will some be resentful, because they follow all the rules? Will some think they have free reign, and a "get-out-of-jail-free" card? Will other guys make poor choices, thinking they won't be punished; or take the chance because the weak punishment makes it worth the risk? Never know. The player Spurrier referred to in the article was just in a fight the other day. He didn't start it, and isn't being charged after getting smacked in the head with a beer bottle. But, he was a 20-year old at a St. Patrick's Day, green beer drinking, party. He could have been lost for the season because he made a choice to attend that kind of event. I'm not saying he did anything wrong; but, I am saying players might make smarter decisions about their socializing if a stronger statement had been made with Garcia.

[RW13]

Who cares guys, welcome to the SEC. As long as win sometime soon this crap won't matter. Screw being the good guys. We used to do that and it got us 0-11 and 1-10. Let's play like the big boys do it and win some games......

[roosterbooster]

It doesn't matter what we perceive. One important factor is does Garcia feel he is being punished and will that punishment be a deterrent. The most important factor is do his teammates perceive this as an adequate punishment. Will it serve as a deterrent for them. Will is foster unity or division. Quite frankly, that is all that matters. A guy like Travian Robertson could obviously see the magnitude of the punishment much better than someone with a less similar situation. How will those who have not been there react?

[cocky4ever]

Of course. He's suspended from all football team activities. He doesn't have to be on the field throwing to receivers for the coaches to keep tabs on him. He could be in the library with a tutor, reading books about integrity; and the coaches would know where he was. Although I'm beginning to wonder if they could find a tutor or book on the campus concerning the subject. Spurrier makes him take off his jersey; and that solves the problem?:azz: Please tell me that you don't think the shirt he wears determines whether or not he's participating.

So he cant watch the practices?? He cant wait until after practice and see if any of the WR's wanna throw the ball around?? He didnt participate in any of the team activities.

Just be glad that UF doesnt have to worry about teaching their kids integrity....of course thats just because their players are so high they're too lazy to go out and get in trouble:jestera:

[cocky4ever]

If they were trying to send a strong message to Garcia and the other players about the seriousness of these situations, they succeeded. The message is: Regardless of your actions, your potential is so important, that we're willing to compromise our integrity and relax our consequences to the point that there really are none. Again, if this was the only time, that'd be one thing. But, it doesn't sound that way; and, I'm not sure there's any more incentive to behave than there was before.

March 1 2005

South Carolina has confirmed that star running back Demetris Summers has been kicked off the football team for an undisclosed violation of team rules. He played in 11 games and started 8 in his freshman season in 2003 and was the second-leading rusher on the team. Summers was named to the All-SEC freshman team following that season. In 2004, Summers played in 9 games and rushed for 529 yards and 1 touchdown.

In high school, Summers was a Parade All-American and ranked as the #1 national running back prospect by some recruiting services. He was Mr. Football for South Carolina and holds the state records for career rushing yardage (9,076) and career touchdowns (127.)

[OmahaBound]

I'm overblowing it if this is the only instance of this kind of thing happening. But, if it continues, a pattern is clearly developing. It sure seems like the staff can't even enforce their own penalties where Garcia is concerned. They're pushing the envelope, already. If that's the stance they're going to take, why suspend him at all. I think it has less to do with Garcia personally; and is more telling of the attitude of the coaching staff. If they were trying to send a strong message to Garcia and the other players about the seriousness of these situations, they succeeded. The message is: Regardless of your actions, your potential is so important, that we're willing to compromise our integrity and relax our consequences to the point that there really are none. Again, if this was the only time, that'd be one thing. But, it doesn't sound that way; and, I'm not sure there's any more incentive to behave than there was before. You have to wonder what that means to the other players. Will some be resentful, because they follow all the rules? Will some think they have free reign, and a "get-out-of-jail-free" card? Will other guys make poor choices, thinking they won't be punished; or take the chance because the weak punishment makes it worth the risk? Never know. The player Spurrier referred to in the article was just in a fight the other day. He didn't start it, and isn't being charged after getting smacked in the head with a beer bottle. But, he was a 20-year old at a St. Patrick's Day, green beer drinking, party. He could have been lost for the season because he made a choice to attend that kind of event. I'm not saying he did anything wrong; but, I am saying players might make smarter decisions about their socializing if a stronger statement had been made with Garcia.

me thinks someone is just looking for something to debate/argue about before August and i'm not going to take the bait. if Garcia was taking part in some of the team drills then i would see your point....but he wasn't. he tossed the ball around for a few minutes after practice with one other player. were you really expecting he would never throw the football again until august?

[Cockfan720]

Here's my opinion...we don't know the full story...for all we know, Garcia could have every crack in the stadium steps memorized at this point...Spurrier could be giving him some private form of punishment...one thing is for certain, the media is not helping the situation. they're already treating him like a heisman winner...I'm sure he loves all of this attention...

[gatorunvrsty]

It doesn't matter what we perceive. One important factor is does Garcia feel he is being punished and will that punishment be a deterrent. The most important factor is do his teammates perceive this as an adequate punishment. Will it serve as a deterrent for them. Will is foster unity or division. Quite frankly, that is all that matters. A guy like Travian Robertson could obviously see the magnitude of the punishment much better than someone with a less similar situation. How will those who have not been there react?

That's basically my point. As I said, it's not that important where Garcia is personally concerned; but it is important as far as the message it's sending.:thumpsup:

EDIT: Sometimes I wonder if some of these guys even read the post and think about what it says. It seems like many can't wait to react just from seeing my name next to a post about SC.

[GamecockDieHard]

That's basically my point. As I said, it's not that important where Garcia is personally concerned; but it is important as far as the message it's sending.:thumpsup:

EDIT: Sometimes I wonder if some of these guys even read the post and think about what it says. It seems like many can't wait to react just from seeing my name next to a post about SC.

To answer your question; no. I don't think other players will consider SG throwing a football around AFTER practice to mean he is being afforded any special priviledge. Garcia came to Columbia early for one reason and that was to get some reps with the team DURING practice. He is not only missing that opportunity but Spurrier won't even let him wear a Gamecock jersey (petty, IMO) but all the same, it's a pretty stiff penalty for a guy taking college classes when he could be cruising in HS.

For you to suggest that Spurrier's original suspension has been lessened by this says more about your obsession with our program than it does about what's going on during (rather after) practice. Live with it. We are no longer a doormat for Florida and that is the real bug up your arse, IMO.

You are picking a fight and pointing a finger in the wrong direction. Whatever your "concerns" may be, it isn't about our integrity regarding punishment of SG. Nor is it about what other players on our team may think. Puhleeze!!

[gatorunvrsty]

To answer your question; no. I don't think other players will consider SG throwing a football around AFTER practice to mean he is being afforded any special priviledge. Garcia came to Columbia early for one reason and that was to get some reps with the team DURING practice. He is not only missing that opportunity but Spurrier won't even let him wear a Gamecock jersey (petty, IMO) but all the same, it's a pretty stiff penalty for a guy taking college classes when he could be cruising in HS.

For you to suggest that Spurrier's original suspension has been lessened by this says more about your obsession with our program than it does about what's going on during (rather after) practice. Live with it. We are no longer a doormat for Florida and that is the real bug up your arse, IMO.

You are picking a fight and pointing a finger in the wrong direction. Whatever your "concerns" may be, it isn't about our integrity regarding punishment of SG. Nor is it about what other players on our team may think. Puhleeze!!

I'm not obsessed with your program; the media and SC fans are. I couldn't care less about whether SC is a doormat for UF. You certainly assume a lot about my motives. I don't have a bug, and didn't even start this thread. In fact, I haven't started any threads about SC, that I can recall. I'm simply voicing my opinion; and I say as many good things about SC as I do bad. You're just upset because your team and/or the press is forcing you to defend your program every other day. You don't see any of that BS about the other 11 teams all over the board. If you want it to stop, tell the people you can reach to stop F'ing up. My comments could be about any program in the nation, including Florida. They're statements about perceptions. They just happen to involve SC because somebody started another thread about SC.

Sometimes y'all tend to minimize things; which is to be expected from the fans. But, while some think he was just throwing the ball for 10 minutes after practice, just this once; I think there may be more to it than that. Either way, I started my posts with a pretty powerful word, "IF". I didn't state that any of these things happened. I said IF they are happening, they could be detrimental. I've said since Dec. that I thought SC and Spurrier would be great. I said it when everybody else was calling me crazy for thinking so. I argued with everybody who said SC was a perrenial 7-5 team. I've never doubted their chances or coaching abilities, and haven't ever considered them a doormat; especially since Spurrier's arrival. So, you need to find another scapegoat for the "you're just scared of SC" conspiracy theory. But, as long as someone's starting threads about SC, I'm going to comment on it. It's not my fault the majority of topics have been negative. It's your own da.n fans that write the media stories and post articles about the latest chapter in the soap opera called "As Columbia Turns".

[scfan5338]

March 1 2005
In high school, Summers was a Parade All-American and ranked as the #1 national running back prospect by some recruiting services. He was Mr. Football for South Carolina and holds the state records for career rushing yardage (9,076) and career touchdowns (127.)

That was in the same class as Reggie Bush and many thought that he had the ability to be like Reggie Bush. Bush and Summers were the top 2 backs in that class and the two ended up on different paths obviously. Spurrier kicked off some good players when he first came to USC. He suspended Cory Boyd for an entire season.

[GeauxTo]

“Let’s see how Garcia looks,” Spurrier said.


On cue, the 6-foot-2, 212-pound Garcia fired a 25-yard spiral on a rope to an unidentified receiver.

“He looks pretty good, doesn’t he?” Spurrier said.

The unidentified receiver, later identified as Maurice Clarrett, gave a nod of approval.

[GamecockDieHard]

I'm not obsessed with your program; the media and SC fans are. I couldn't care less about whether SC is a doormat for UF. You certainly assume a lot about my motives. I don't have a bug, and didn't even start this thread. In fact, I haven't started any threads about SC, that I can recall. I'm simply voicing my opinion; and I say as many good things about SC as I do bad. You're just upset because your team and/or the press is forcing you to defend your program every other day. You don't see any of that BS about the other 11 teams all over the board. If you want it to stop, tell the people you can reach to stop F'ing up. My comments could be about any program in the nation, including Florida. They're statements about perceptions. They just happen to involve SC because somebody started another thread about SC.

Sometimes y'all tend to minimize things; which is to be expected from the fans. But, while some think he was just throwing the ball for 10 minutes after practice, just this once; I think there may be more to it than that. Either way, I started my posts with a pretty powerful word, "IF". I didn't state that any of these things happened. I said IF they are happening, they could be detrimental. I've said since Dec. that I thought SC and Spurrier would be great. I said it when everybody else was calling me crazy for thinking so. I argued with everybody who said SC was a perrenial 7-5 team. I've never doubted their chances or coaching abilities, and haven't ever considered them a doormat; especially since Spurrier's arrival. So, you need to find another scapegoat for the "you're just scared of SC" conspiracy theory. But, as long as someone's starting threads about SC, I'm going to comment on it. It's not my fault the majority of topics have been negative. It's your own da.n fans that write the media stories and post articles about the latest chapter in the soap opera called "As Columbia Turns".

I wish there was a smiley icon of one with a stick poking hard at a nerve. That would be my best response to your most eloquent response. To your singular and central point, it isn't minimizing to say that SG is suspended from participating in organized practice. That is a far cry from being dismissed. Although, you don't seem to notice the difference.

I apologize if I've responded to your post with my opinions. Apparently, that pleasure is uniquely yours.

[gatorunvrsty]

I wish there was a smiley icon of one with a stick poking hard at a nerve. That would be my best response to your most eloquent response. To your singular and central point, it isn't minimizing to say that SG is suspended from participating in organized practice. That is a far cry from being dismissed. Although, you don't seem to notice the difference.

I apologize if I've responded to your post with my opinions. Apparently, that pleasure is uniquely yours.

There is.:stickpoke And I'd certainly say it's appropriate for your reaction, not mine. No; it's minimizing to say it's only happened this once for 10 minutes after practice. And it's just a pure exaggeration to infer that I think he shouldn't ever throw the ball again, while on suspension, like someone suggested. I just agree with the post saying it shouldn't be on the field with coaches. Apparently, you missed my post after the baseball player fiasco. I'm quite supportive when I agree with something. But, not everybody is going to agree with SC fans on every issue, just to make them feel better. If we don't agree with what your team is doing, as it's reported; we say so. It's just a point of view. You're on the defensive because of all the extracurricular, off-season drama; and that's okay. But, don't snap at me because the constant theatrics barrage finds its way to this board. It's South Carolina people doing it and reporting it. And I definitely don't have a problem with you responding with YOUR opinions. I have a problem with people responding with what they think are MY opinions. Quite a few responses put words in my mouth, because they were knee-jerk reactions. They took what I said, and twisted it until it sounded ridiculous, and was worthy of the outrage afforded it.

[GatorHunter]

Come on guys...he's apologized...see:

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k105/gatorhunter22/KeyedCar_Garcia.jpg


Sorry, Cock fans...;)

[lacene]

If anyone's interested (and somehow I don't think anyone is), reports are indicating that Garcia did not throw any passes on the side during tonights practices, but was in attendance, and watched the team practice.



however, further reports stated that he was seen down in Five Points later tonight, having a beer with his new pass-and-catch buddy, Maurice Clarett.....

[Williams-Brice]

Come on guys...he's apologized...see:

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k105/gatorhunter22/KeyedCar_Garcia.jpg


Sorry, Cock fans...;)

It's just as funny as it was weeks ago. Always will be hilarious!

[NineInchCock]

It's just as funny as it was weeks ago. Always will be hilarious!

Ditto. I found this one funny as well:

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/7193/garciakeysxf8.jpg

Actually, being serious for a second, I really do hope he gets his head on straight. He's got plenty of potential and has the capability to be one of the best QBs we've ever had.

[WayzUp]

And I'm still just as excited to see how Chris Smelley does as I am Garcia. I think both have an equal chance of being great for us in the years to come; that's assuming Garcia doesn't get that third strike & sent back home.