Seems the story from our friends over at Saturday Down South has caused quite a stir amongst the Gamecock faithful. The latest Stephen Garcia saga is reaching a boiling point and can only be satisfied by one of two ways. One the University sets the the drama straight by coming out with the facts or Garcia joins the team officially again with the suspension being lifted.
The University is dealing with the matter as this is a internal issue with the quarterback. With that being said, as seen, not a lot of info flowing from the University. For the outsiders looking in, Garcia is the key to SEC East success for USC but this was his fifth strike no matter the cause of events. For us on the inside and love our Gamecocks, lets step back and take a breath.
In the SDS story, it claimed AD Eric Hyman’s wife played a role. After some “twittering” with Doug Jolley (former editor of Gamecock Anthem), I learned that Mrs. Hyman was not there due to a back injury nor was this a event she would even be at in the first place. Come to find out, Eric Hyman in an email to SportsTalk the very next day made it clear that his wife is not the enemy as some have rumored for weeks now.
Here is what he writes courtesy of SportsTalk –
1) The MVP is an SEC mandated program. The program has trained adult instructors. The program is for student athletes only, no adults from the host schools are allowed in the program (coaches, administrators, etc) that is given to the student athletes.
2) Pauline volunteers her time and teaches in USC’s Lifeskills program. The programs are totally separate…USC sponsors the Lifeskills and the SEC sponsors the MVP. Until all of the rumors about her “involvement”, she had never heard of the SEC MVP program.
3) With that said, Pauline had a very serious back operation in January. As of today, she is still in a brace that that limits her mobility. At the time of the program, if she was involved in the program, she could not have taught it because she could not even stand up for 5 minutes much less teach a class.
So with that clearing the air – Mrs. Hyman did not have Garcia suspended. Stand down Fighting Gamecocks.
Just when you think that issue is over. There have also been some questions about Garcia’s scholarship concerning its renewal. Again stand down Gamecocks….keep in mind this is part of the process as Garcia has things he must complete/do to show he is committed to being a Gamecock again. On that check list, I would say earning his degree and seeking help for alcohol issues was on there. Both have been completed by Garcia and recent comments from Steve Spurrier are indicating that Garcia will be back with the team some time this summer.
So everyone take a deep breath. And we still say time will tell but Garcia deserves another chance. Is Garcia a knuckle-head…lord yes but he is serious, just as the University is, on taking the necessary steps to ensure there is not a sixth time.
In saying that, we know this type stuff will continue until either the true facts are known or he joins the team. In the world of blogs (we are guilty too), twitter, radio, CockyTalk, Bleacher Report, SDS, Gamecock Anthem, etc….this will continue to be discussed as everyone has a thought to be shared. We as a blog will continue to try to put forth the discussions, news, recruiting updates and other mindless things to get us through the summer. In closing, Gamecock fans should sleep easy and know that Stephen Garcia will get the majority of snaps as the quarterback for USC in 2011 as the repeat as SEC East champs.
