South Carolina star edge rusher Dylan Stewart is facing a one-game suspension after an incident during Saturday’s game against Alabama. The SEC and South Carolina jointly announced the suspension on Monday, citing ‘egregious contact’ after Stewart punched Alabama tight end Josh Ford in the helmet.
The trouble didn’t stop there. South Carolina coach Shane Beamer had already suspended Stewart indefinitely on Sunday, not just for the punch, but for other issues, including an argument with coaches on the sideline during the game. The joint suspension officially sets the penalty at one game, though further discipline from the school is still possible.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey stated that Stewart’s actions go against the conference’s standards and carry a serious risk of injury. South Carolina athletic director Jeremiah Donati supported the decision, stressing that athletes must maintain composure in highly competitive environments.
Stewart is a major player for the Gamecocks, having been a freshman All-American and an all-SEC selection. As a top draft prospect projected to go in the first round, his absence will hurt a team looking to bounce back from a 49-18 loss to Alabama. South Carolina will host Kentucky on Saturday without him.
