NCAA denies Will Grier’s appeal

Florida quarterback Will Grier lost the appeal of his failed NCAA drug test and will remain suspended for one calendar year, according to a report from the Orlando Sentinel’s Edgar Thompson and Mike Bianchi.

Grier, 20, said at the time of his suspension he took an over-the-counter supplement and mistakenly did not confer with UF’s medical staff about its contents. Grier appealed the suspension in an effort to shorten the suspension, but the appeal was denied.

Grier, his attorney, Orlando’s Clay Townsend; and UF’s University Athletic Association argued their case during a conference call this past Monday with the NCAA.

Alas, Grier’s rational and reasoning fell on deaf ears with the NCAA, as he will now be out until midway through the 2016 season. “I really hope that people can learn from this, learn from my mistake. I’m really, really sorry to everyone”.

The No. 8 Gators (9-1, 7-1 SEC) have gone 3-1 in Grier’s absence with sophomore Treon Harris under center, losing to LSU before beating Georgia, Vanderbilt and SC.

As a redshirt freshman, Grier played in the first two games and started and won the next four before he was suspended.

Grier’s suspension was handed down October 12.

But Harris has filled in for Grier since the suspension. The Gators host Florida Atlantic on Saturday and close the regular season next weekend against rival Florida State.