Florida Gators Will Grier Suspended For Violating NCAA Ruler, QB Tests Positive For PED Use

After testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, Florida Gators quarterback Will Grier was slapped with a one-year suspension.

In an announcement on Monday, Gators coach Jim McElwain made public Grier's suspension noting that it was given because he violated NCAA rules, as per ESPN.

The coach also said that the performance-enhancing substance detected on Grier was contained in an over-the-counter supplement that he took. With his suspension, Grier would only be allowed to return for USC's seventh game of the 2016 season.

However, McElwain said that the university will appeal his suspension.

"I took an over-the-counter supplement that had something in it. I did not check with the medical staff before taking it. I hope that people can learn from this, learn from my mistake. I'm really sorry to everyone, just really sorry," Grier said during a press conference on Monday.

The coach added in the ESPN report that they gave the quarterback an opportunity to explain the incident adding that his teammates embraced him and appreciated him telling the truth.

Despite the suspension, McElwain noted that Grier will still practice with the team.

USA Today noted that that this is acceptable though he will still remain suspended during the appeals process of his case.

With this incident, McElwain highlighted that student-athletes should be careful from now on in taking supplements as these can have adverse effects on their careers.

"It's something he feels horrible about. It's an honest mistake, and yet can be prevented by checking with our medical staff. This is a mistake we'll learn from. Everybody knows the policy, you police yourself. You're no different. You either do or you don't. Before you even take cough medicine, you've got to check with the medical staff to allow you to be able to [take it]," McElwain explained in the ESPN report.

The coach also mentioned in the USA Today report that Grier has taken full responsibility for what happened.

"Will admitted he didn't do it. I think that speaks for him. He's not putting it on anybody else. He's a stand-up guy. That's how he played the game and plays the game. He'll be back," he added.

McElwain also said that it was hard seeing his quarterback in a situation where he felt that Grier was really sorry for his action.

"When you have an opportunity to sit down and visit with him and see the remorse and the sorrow, that's hard. That's really hard. As a coach, but more so as a human, to see someone go through that. It's not easy. But he knows we're here for him," he added.

The team said that Grier is a great loss for the team but noted that they will take the experience as a learning opportunity for all of them.

When the Gators go up against LSU on Saturday, Treon Harris will take Grier's place.

According to Fox Sports, this is Harris' first time to start a match since their season opener.