South Carolina's Players Rebel Against Mike Bobo, Will Not Play in Gasparilla Bowl
South Carolina has opted out of the Gasparilla Bowl. The Gamecocks were set to face UAB in the game on Saturday. While COVID-19 was reportedly a concern, it appears at least some of the players rebelled and didn't want to play in the game, forcing the school to cancel.
A number schools are asking players to vote on whether they want to participate in a bowl game this year. The restrictions and isolation brought on by the coronavirus pandemic have taken a toll on college football players. It's understandable that many would want to go home and see their families instead of playing in a meaningless bowl game. Apparently, South Carolina didn't leave it up to the players when accepting a bid.
South Carolina did not ask players to vote about playing in a bowl game this year.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) December 21, 2020
"There’s no vote in the SEC," Mike Bobo said.
For the rest of this quote and more Gamecocks bowl updates, go to our Real Time section. @TheAthleticCFB https://t.co/6dueo1sH8G
Yes, interim head coach Mike Bobo said, "There's no vote in the SEC," basically implying the players had no say in the matter. On Tuesday, South Carolina's players fought back. They held a players' only meeting, then met with athletic director Ray Tanner and said they want to play for Bobo.
Breaking: South Carolina will not play in the Gasparilla Bowl, according to team sources. I’m told COVID tracing was a concern but following a player’s only meeting today and a meeting with Ray Tanner, some players did not want to play for interim HC Mike Bobo. @wachfox
— Mike Uva (@Mike_Uva) December 22, 2020
While South Carolina may not have been able to play in the game because of COVID concerns anyway, that's a pretty devastating blow to Bobo that the players didn't want to play for him.
The Gamecocks went 2-8 this season and shouldn't have been in a bowl anyway. The ridiculous SEC tie-ins basically crowbarred them into one. Incoming head coach Shane Beamer is now forced to clean up this mess and getting rid of Bobo might be his first move.