South Carolina dropped to 2-2 on the season with a 49-18 loss to Alabama over the weekend. In the game, Dylan Stewart threw a punch at an Alabama player but was not ejected from the game. He also argued with coaches, and after the game, head coach Shane Beamer addressed the situation. Stewart was suspended indefinitely by South Carolina.
Now, the SEC is putting out their punishment for the Gamecocks defender, per a statement released by the conference.
“Dylan Stewart’s egregious contact reflects behavior that is unacceptable and not aligned with the standards of the Southeastern Conference,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “Such action against an opponent carries a serious risk of injury and has no place in our conference competition. This suspension is appropriate, and any future misconduct by Dylan Stewart will result in more severe disciplinary action.”
The suspension of one game is from the conference, not from the school, which could have its own suspension. The South Carolina athletic director also spoke alongside the statement from the SEC.
Article Continues Below“Our expectation at South Carolina, is that our student-athletes conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity at all times,” said South Carolina Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati. “Keeping one’s composure, even in the most competitive environments, is our standard. That standard was not met in this instance and we support the league’s decision along with our head coach’s decision regarding the current disciplinary measures enacted in this case.”
While Stewart is suspended from the SEC, he also still faces punishment from the school, per Pete Nakos of On3.
“Dylan Stewart remains on indefinite suspension from South Carolina,” Nakos posted on X, formerly Twitter.
South Carolina faces another ranked opponent on Saturday, as a Top 25-ranked Kentucky comes to town.