(Columbia) March 4, 2005 - South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is speaking out after two USC football players were suspended indefinitely from the team after police say two televisions were stolen from university dorm rooms.
In a statement on Wednesday Spurrier said the allegations are extremely embarrassing, "I apologize to everyone who loves the University of South Carolina. I have said many times as a coach I personally can't control what our players and former players do all of the time. But, I can assure you that if these charges prove to be true those involved will never wear the garnet and black and represent our university on the football field."
Spurrier spoke to the media on Thursday and reiterated his previous statement, "I have a policy that says a person that brings complete embarrassment to our football program is subject to not being with us. And I think you have to look at every situation individually somewhat, but certainly if this situation proves out, the players won't be with us."
Still, Spurrier indicates the recent problems shouldn't affect the program in the long term, "It's a slap in the face to our program. They are the ones who made the decisions and they are the ones who will have to suffer the consequences. Hopefully, they will get their act together so they can transfer and continue their career somewhere else."
He says he'll help any player who's dismissed from the team continue his career at another school, "I hope they are able to transfer somewhere and play. All of our guys, if they don't play for us, they can transfer anywhere, to Clemson if they'll take them or Tennessee. I am always open to any guy that doesn't want to be in our program, he can go anywhere."
USC has barred players from transferring to those schools in the past.
The Gamecocks have had a busy off season this year. There was the brawl after the Clemson-Carolina game last season. Six USC players allegedly stole video equipment and other items from Williams-Brice Stadium after they found out the team would forgo a bowl appearance due to the brawl. Just Tuesday it was announced star running back Demetris Summers was kicked off the squad for team rules violations.
"We've had some misfortune over the past several days with some of our student-athletes," Athletics spokesman Kerry Tharp said. "However I can assure you this athletics department and football coaching staff will handle this situation decisively and appropriately."
Updated 11:33am by BrettWitt with AP
Kevin Mainord
Moe Thompson
