The Punch and the Immediate Fallout
South Carolina defensive end Dylan Stewart has been suspended indefinitely, coach Shane Beamer announced on Sunday. The decision followed a 49-18 loss at Alabama in which Stewart threw a punch at the helmet of Crimson Tide tight end Josh Ford after a fourth-quarter touchdown extended the lead to 42-18. Officials did not appear to see the punch and Stewart was not penalized for it. Earlier in the game, Beamer was seen shouting at Stewart for loafing to the sideline after committing a penalty.[S1]
Beamer said he would make a decision early this week about when, and if, Stewart will return. Stewart, who is widely projected to be a first-round pick in next year's NFL draft, was ruled out of Saturday's home game against No. 24 Kentucky. The Gamecocks play Kentucky at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday.[S2]
Beamer's Standard and Stewart's Value
Beamer said the suspension was about more than the punch. He described a standard of conduct in the program that was not met and said accountability is a core value. He also noted that while punches occur in football, other behavior by Stewart was not how the program operates. Beamer said he will decide what Stewart's future looks like.[S1][S2]
Stewart was a five-star recruit in the Class of 2024 and one of the most significant recruits of the Beamer era at South Carolina. The junior posted a combined 22.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in his first two seasons. He had yet to record a sack this season as he worked his way back from injury. An Associated Press preseason All-America first-team pick, Stewart missed the first two games because of a back injury and has one tackle for loss and three quarterback hurries in two games.[S1][S2]
A Season on the Brink
Retaining Stewart, along with quarterback LaNorris Sellers and receiver Nyck Harbor, was the top priority over the offseason. However, South Carolina's season is on life support after a 2-2 start, including an 0-2 mark in SEC play. The Gamecocks have three straight games against ranked opponents as Beamer's job security dips quickly.[S1]
