Florida redshirt freshman quarterback Will Grier, leading the No. 8-ranked Gators to a 6-0 start, has been suspended indefinitely for the use of an over-the-counter banned substance.
Grier tested positive for performance enhancing drugs, which carries an automatic one-year suspension from the NCAA.
Florida coach Jim McElwain confirmed the suspension Monday and said the school will appeal the NCAA decision. Grier will practice with the team during the suspension.
“I really hope people can learn from this and learn from my mistake,” an emotional Grier said at a press conference. “I’m really sorry to everyone. Really sorry.”
Grier told reporters that he took an over-the-counter supplement that had “something” in it and that he did not check with the team’s medical staff before taking it.
“We feel for him. We feel his pain,” McElwain said. “He had a chance to address the team and spoke from the heart. For this football team, it means next guy up. This is a mistake we’ll learn from.”
Grier has completed 65.8 percent of his passes this season and thrown for 10 touchdowns, three interceptions and 1,204 yards.
Florida will travel to face No. 6 LSU (5-0) in an SEC showdown on Saturday night.
Sophomore Treon Harris is expected to start against LSU. Harris started the season opener before giving way to Grier. Harris also was suspended earlier this season for an undisclosed violation of team rules.
“Now it’s Treon’s opportunity to take the reins and run with it,” McElwain said.