Florida Gators QB Will Grier suspended one year for PED use

Florida quarterback Will Grier has been suspended for the rest of the season.

Florida Gators quarterback Will Grier has been suspended for one year and will miss the rest of the 2015 season, head coach Jim McElwainsaid at a press conference Monday.

Grier reportedly tested positive for performance enhancing drugs, which carries an automatic one-year suspension.

McElwain and Grier said at the press conference that Grier had taken an over-the-counter supplement containing an ingredient banned by the NCAA. Grier said he did not consult with the team medical staff before taking the supplement, which was detected in an NCAA drug test.

McElwain said the school is planning to appeal the suspension.

Grier, a freshman, has completed 65.8% of his passes this season, throwing 10 touchdowns and only three interceptions, leading the No. 8 Gators to a 6–0 record and first place in the SEC East.

Sophomore Treon Harris, who started last year and has played sparing in Florida’s first six games, is expected to start against No. 6 LSU on Saturday.

“Now it’s Treon’s opportunity to take the reins and run with it,” McElwain said.

The Gators were voted to finish fifth in their division in the annual SEC preseason poll. Florida, in its first year under coach Jim McElwain, already has wins over Ole Miss, Missouri and Tennessee this season.

Grier struggling to talk. Getting choked up. "I really hope that people can learn from my mistake, and I'm really sorry to everyone."

— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) October 12, 2015

- Rohan Nadkarni