South Carolina defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles is facing discipline for punching LSU offensive lineman P.J. Lonergan in the Gamecocks' 23-21 loss to LSU on Saturday. (US Presswire) |
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said Wednesday that defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles will face discipline and possibly miss game time, for punching LSU offensive lineman P.J. Lonergan in the Gamecocks' 23-21 loss to LSU on Saturday.
But the Old Ball Coach didn’t exactly condemn Quarles’ act in the strongest terms.
“I guess you’d call it a punch -- I’ve seen a lot bigger punches,” Spurrier said on the SEC coaches' teleconference. “We don’t condone that.”
The incident occurred on LSU's first offensive possession. You can watch it here.
Gamecocks defensive tackle Byron Jerideau told The State that "it happens a lot. The refs don't see everything. Hopefully, he won't do it again."
Quarles missed practice Tuesday with a sprained shoulder, with Spurrier calling him “very doubtful” to play Saturday against Florida.
Whatever penalty Spurrier imposes on Quarles is subject to SEC approval.
The 6-4, 286-pound sophomore is a key defender who has 30 tackles, six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Daniel Lewis and Larry Hartstein, follow @CBSSportsSEC.