On July 29th, fourth-string South Carolina quarterback Tanner McEvoy was arrested in North Carolina for driving after drinking alcohol while still a minor (which is not the same charge as a DUI). He was suspended for less than a week before Steve Spurrier reinstated him and blew off his arrest with a surprising level of nonchalance.
Well, now comes word that the redshirt freshman will transfer from the Gamecock program.
It’s believed that his placement on the depth chart as well as the emergence of sophomore quarterback Dylan Thompson had more to do with McEvoy’s decision to leave Columbia than his arrest or any behind-the-scenes punishment from Spurrier.
Still, don’t be surprised to hear a Gamecock fan or two suggest that Spurrier made his flippant comments in an effort to take the spotlight off of McEvoy as he exits. For years some media members have believed that the Ol’ Ball Coach says outrageous things that he knows will get play in the press whenever he wants to distract the public from another issue. Or protect a player.
Whether the coach was providing cover for McEvoy’s exit or just honestly stating that he doesn’t believe an alcohol- and car-related arrest was a big deal likely depends upon whether or not you like South Carolina… or hate South Carolina.
