Florida QB Will Grier loses appeal, suspended until 7th game of 2016
Florida quarterback Will Grier cannot return to the field until the seventh game of the 2016 season.
Grier was issued a 12-month NCAA suspension in October for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Grier appealed the suspension in an effort to shorten the suspension, but the appeal was denied.
Grier hoped the NCAA would allow him to return following the conclusion of this season. Instead, he cannot return to the field until Florida’s Oct. 15 home game against Missouri.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Grier’s attorney presented Grier’s case to the NCAA during a Monday conference call.
When news of the positive test emerged, Grier, a redshirt freshman, told reporters that he took an “over-the-counter supplement.”
“I did not check with the medical staff before taking it,” Grier said through tears. “I really hope that people can learn from this, learn from my mistake. I’m really, really sorry to everyone.”
Despite the contriteness from Grier, the NCAA does not consider a player’s character as a part of the appeal process.
The NCAA’s drug policy states the appeal committee will not consider, “the type or amount of banned substance detected through the drug test; evidence of the student-athlete's good character; the degree of remorse demonstrated by the student-athlete; family hardship or history of family dysfunction; and the degree to which the banned substance may or may not affect athletic performance.”
The policy states the NCAA will only consider an argument the school's drug education program was inadequate and hindered Grier's judgment or he was unable to discern he was using a banned substance due to circumstances beyond his control.
Grier emerged as the Gators’ primary quarterback prior to the suspension and threw for 1,204 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 65.8 percent of his passes.
With Grier out, Treon Harris, who split time with Grier early in the season, has moved into the starting role for the eighth-ranked Gators. Harris, a sophomore, has thrown for 1,109 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has 172 yards rushing.
Florida (9-1, 7-1 SEC) has already clinched the SEC east and a spot in the conference title game. The Gators host Florida Atlantic on Saturday before finishing out the season at home against in-state rivals Florida State on Nov. 28.
For more Florida news, visit InsideTheGators.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
