The magical start of the Florida Gators, the nation’s No. 8 football team, is at risk.
The Gators have suspended starting quarterback Will Grier, who had thrown for 10 touchdown and 1,204 yards. Grier reportedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. He is expected to be suspended for a year, although that could be reduced on appeal.
Florida will now turn to Treon Harris, who missed a game for recreational drugs himself earlier in the season. Harris has only thrown 27 passes, completing 19, this season.
“I took an over-the-counter supplement that had something in it,” Grier said in an emotional statement to the media. “And I did not check with the medical staff before taking it. I really hope that people can learn from this, learn from my mistake.
“And I’m really, really sorry to everyone, truly sorry.”
The Gators play a big game Saturday night when they visit No. 6 LSU.
“I don’t want anyone to forget that we’re in this for these young men,” said Gators coach Jim McElwain. “We feel for him. We feel his pain. He had a chance to address the team and spoke from the heart. We can learn. We’ll appeal this.
McElwain admitted that it was incumbent on every player to check what they took with the medical staff, “including cough syrup.”
