Shane Beamer broke bone in foot in frustrating moment after Florida game, he admits
There’s an unexpected addition to South Carolina’s weekly injury report: head coach Shane Beamer.
Beamer, who limped into his weekly press conference Tuesday, told reporters he broke a bone in his right foot — admitting it was in frustration from the 41-39 home loss to Florida.
“It was after the game, and certainly that was a gut wrenching and emotional loss,” Beamer said. “I was frustrated and I kicked something I shouldn’t have kicked. I thought I was OK, and then the adrenaline of the game wore off.”
Beamer wasn’t in a boot Tuesday and was not on crutches, and surgery isn’t expected. Beamer said USC athletic director Ray Tanner “died laughing” when he told his boss of the news.
“Before anyone starts the narrative like the head football coach is frustrated and lost his poise — no, I care,” he said. “I care about these kids. And I was really upset on Saturday night because I didn’t do enough to help them get over the hump and win the football game.”
During the SEC teleconference on Wednesday, Beamer clarified that he kicked a Gatorade cooler as he was jogging off the field.
“It wasn’t like I just went in the locker room and had a meltdown,” he noted.
Florida scored 14 unanswered points, including the game-winner with less than a minute to go, to lock up the victory at Williams-Brice Stadium.
“It hurts like you know what, but I’ve got to show toughness and fight through it,” Beamer said. “It’s been one of those years.”
South Carolina’s record dropped to 2-4 on the season and 1-3 in the SEC. The Gamecocks have also dealt with a number of injuries, particularly on the offensive line.
He declared himself “very probable” for this week’s road game at Missouri (3:30 p.m., SEC Network).
“The problem will be in not being on any kind of pain medication,” he said. “I’ll be loopy if I’m on pain medicine. We’ve got to make sure ... I’m focused and can make calls.”
He didn’t specify which bone was broken or the exact moment when the injury occurred. He didn’t say what he kicked.
“Like I told the players, I don’t condone it. I’m not saying it’s OK to kick things after game,” Beamer said. “I feel bad as a dad. My kids saw me and they were like, ‘What the heck?’
“Lesson learned. Stupid on my part.”
The actual injury report
According to Beamer, running back Mario Anderson (ankle) is probable for Saturday’s game. Linebacker Stone Blanton (thigh bruise) is questionable, Beamer said, while offensive lineman Vershon Lee (knee) should be considered doubtful.
This story was originally published October 17, 2023 at 1:57 PM.
