One thing is certain in the state of South Carolina – do not mess with any of the players on the Clemson and South Carolina football teams.
For years, Dabo Swinney has been known to go to bat for his players a time or two against the media in Tigertown, and Shane Beamer does the same for his Gamecocks in Columbia.
Case in point, Beamer’s message to the media in Tuesday’s press conference.
South Carolina’s head coach was not happy with the way some in the media portrayed LaNorris Sellers’ academic schedule last week or how defensive end Dylan Stewart’s and offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak’s injuries and relationship with the team were portrayed.
“I think it is absolutely ridiculous any kind of criticism LaNorris Sellers took about an internship in his last semester in college,” Beamer said. “The same people who were criticizing him, failed to report that he has been on the Dean’s List four times as a student here at Carolina, primarily taking in-person classes.
“They failed to report he has a chance to be an academic all-American. Not Academic all-conference, but academic all-American, and that he is about to graduate from South Carolina.”
Their critics will say Swinney and Beamer should worry about winning more games and less about what the media is saying. Though there is some truth to that, however, it is also their job to take up for their players when they feel they have been attacked unjustly, especially when their character is attacked.
“I hate to see any of our players criticized. I am going to defend our players at all times,” Beamer said. “That is a joke anybody would criticize (Sellers’) class schedule and what he has taken in his final semester of college, when he needs just one class to graduate.
“I hope he has a helluva time at the driving range and hits a thousand balls and does a good job over there. He has earned it.”
As for Peake’s and Stewart’s injuries and their statuses with the program, Beamer set the record straight there, as well. It was reported that the two could miss a portion of the season or at least it was implied.
Some in the media wondered if the two would even suit up for the Gamecocks this year. Stewart (back) did not practice in the spring and has missed all of fall camp, while Peake (knee) was injured in the spring but has not practiced in camp, either.
“We had a national reporter here last week and I told him it was probably not realistic for them to play Game 1. I do not think that is earth shattering, breaking news,” Beamer said. “You guys have been out at practice and if they are not actually practicing, there is a process (they have to do) in order to get ready to play. I did not rule it out. They could very easily be cleared (to play) before the Kent State game and then I have to make a decision if they will play or if we should play them.
“If they got cleared tomorrow, I probably wouldn’t. They have futures. They are human beings, first and foremost that I care about. They have a future beyond football and Carolina and that is what I care about, so we will have them out there when they are ready.”
Until then, Beamer will have their backs, like he knows they will have his once the season begins.
–photo courtesy of South Carolina Athletics