SUSPENSION FOR GAMECOCK STAR COULD END THURSDAY

I know it’s a bit presumptive to refer to redshirt freshman Stephen Garcia as the University of South Carolina’s “star” quarterback since he hasn’t really done anything but get in trouble, but he certainly has the potential to do some great things on the field if he can ever get his act together off the field.

But fortunately for him, it looks as if his suspension for an underage drinking arrest — his third run-in with police since 2007 — in March could end two weeks early, in time for him to begin fall camp with the rest of the team.

He was due to be eligible on Aug. 15, but Spurrier said he’s waiting for word from the university, which handed down the suspension.

“I’m not sure if Stephen Garcia will be here Thursday night,” Spurrier said. “I do not know if he’ll be there this Thursday night. Certainly we’re hoping he will be there, but that’s in the hands of our university and those who are in charge of that.”

Spurrier said he was “not in the loop” on the decision.

“What was told to Stephen is if you do what you’re supposed to do, we’ll look at your situation and make a call,” Spurrier said. “But I’ve been out of the loop on that. I’m staying out of the loop, and we’ll find out in the next three-to-four days.” [The State]

Basically, that’s Spurrier’s way of saying “he’ll be back Thursday, I just can’t tell you that yet.”

And that’s good news because the Gamecocks are going to desperately need a star quarterback. Due respect to Tommy Beecher and Chris Smelley, both of whom are solid backups, this kid is talented.

Despite today’s reports, Garcia still probably won’t start the Gamecock’s Aug. 28 season opener again NC State, but at least this is a sign things are on the right track. For now, anyway.

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GAMECOCK CRIME UNIT UPDATE - Freshman Wide Receiver Dion Lecorn’s charge of simple possession of marijuana has been dropped due to lack of evidence. That’s good because his charge was pretty much BS anyway.