Florida QB Grier banned for year
Redshirt freshman says he didn’t check if substance was OK
Florida quarterback Will Grier has been suspended for one year for violating the NCAA’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. The school announced the suspension at a news conference Monday and said it would appeal.
The No. 11 Gators are not facing a forfeiture of any wins. But the suspension could cost Grier 25% of his college eligibility, making the redshirt freshman a junior when he returns next October.
Grier, who gained 20 pounds in his first 18 months on campus, failed a drug test in the last two weeks. He said Monday that he took an over-the-counter supplement but did not specify which one.
“I did not check with the medical staff before taking it,” Grier said during an emotional, minute-long apology. “I really hope that people can learn from this, learn from my mistake. I’m really, really sorry to everyone. Just really sorry.”
According to NCAA rules, Grier will remain suspended during the appeals process. But he can practice with the team while he’s ineligible.
The Gators play at No. 5 LSU on Saturday (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET), and sophomore Treon Harris will make his first start since the season opener.
Coach Jim McElwain said Grier made a mistake that could have been avoided by talking to the team’s medical staff.
“You and I can both go get it,” said McElwain, who said he learned of the suspension Sunday. “Anyone in this room can. Anybody in this country can. The mistake is, and the lesson for whoever out there, make sure — just like we educate our guys now — you check with your medical staff before you put anything in your body.”
McElwain also did not identify what Grier took.
“Doesn’t matter. Cough medicine. You have to know what you’re putting in your body. Will admitted he didn’t do it. I think that speaks for him. He’s not putting it on anybody else. He’s a stand-up guy. That’s how he played the game and plays the game. He’ll be back.”
Grier apologized to his teammates and Florida fans.
Grier and the Gators have been one of the most surprising teams in the country in their first year under McElwain, the former Colorado State coach and Alabama assistant.
The Gators (6-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) already have matched last year’s regular-season win total and have a commanding lead in the league’s East Division race.
Harris will be tasked with helping them stay there.
Harris started the opener and split snaps with Grier in the second game against East Carolina. He has not thrown a pass since. He is 19-for-27 for 269 yards and two touchdowns.
He played nine games last season, completing 49.5% of his passes for 1,019 yards and nine TDs with four interceptions.