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Fridge plays part in Davis' benching
USC tailback breaks into locked refrigerator but still will play tonight
CommentsUSC tailback Mike Davis missed two weeks of preseason camp due to injury and illness, but an off-the-field incident also contributed to Davis losing his starting job for tonight’s season opener against N.C. State.
Davis, a senior from Columbia, broke into a locked refrigerator in the Gamecocks’ weight room Sunday, according to a source close to the program. The next day, Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier announced Taylor Rank would start at tailback against the Wolfpack, citing Davis’ missed practices and Rank’s solid showing in camp and participation in summer workouts.
Spurrier acknowledged the Davis incident Wednesday during the SEC teleconference, but he was noncommittal about the extent it played in his decision to bench Davis for the start of the game.
“Did we take that into consideration naming a starter? I don’t know if we did or not,” Spurrier said. “But we just basically thought Taylor Rank deserved to start. He’s been here all preseason. He hasn’t been hurt. Mike has not participated in any scrimmages. So he really has not earned the right to be the starter, unless you say, ‘Well, he was the guy next in line from last year and he should be the starter.’ “
Davis, who shared carries with Cory Boyd the past two seasons, injured his left shoulder in a noncontact drill early in camp and was sidelined for several days with a stomach virus.
According to the source, Davis forced his way into a weight-room refrigerator containing sports drinks Sunday. After the damage was discovered, Spurrier addressed the team at practice that day and asked whoever was responsible to speak up.
When no one came forward, the staff reviewed video from a surveillance camera to identify Davis, who must pay for the repairs to the refrigerator.
“We take a whole bunch of things into consideration when you say who’s starting and who isn’t,” Spurrier said. “So that’s about all I need to say about it.”
Spurrier reiterated Wednesday that Davis would play early against the Wolfpack, but he did not specify whether Davis would miss a predetermined number of snaps or series.
Mike Davis Sr., the player’s father, said he was unaware of the incident.
Davis also faces a one-game suspension for violating the athletic department’s class attendance policy. Spurrier said Davis and several other players suspended for the same reason would miss “a middle-of-the-year game,” that could be a nonconference matchup against Wofford or UAB in September.
Rank’s only previous career start was two years ago against Florida Atlantic when Davis was suspended for the first series for breaking curfew. Rank rushed for 101 yards on 15 carries, but he has just seven carries for 3 yards since.
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