After promising to appeal his one-year suspension PED suspension from the NCAA, Will Grier is formally taking the first steps.
The NCAA released its decision to suspend Grier for one calendar year due to a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), ESPN reported last month. In the midst of a standout season as the quarterback for the Florida Gators, Grier will now have to sit until the seventh game of next season, and he will lose a year of eligibility as well.
That is, if his appeal is unsuccessful. Acknowledging that he took a supplement he did not know was banned by the NCAA, Grier vowed to appeal shortly after the ruling was official.
University of Florida (UF) head football coach Jim McElwain stated at the time the team and the school's athletic department would support Grier throughout the process.
"We have worked diligently on the investigation and appeal and we, along with all of the Gator Nation, look forward to Will's return to eligibility as soon as possible," Clay Townsend, an attorney representing Grier, wrote in a statement to The Orlando Sentinel. "When the NCAA's decision is rendered, we will issue a statement. I have no further comment at this time as to the conference, its substance, procedures or attendees.
"Will is a great athlete, a good person and a significant contributor to the Gators winning the SEC East. Will and his family are grateful for everyone's support."
According to ESPN, Grier did in fact file appeal paperwork about a month ago and participated in a conference call on Monday with the NCAA, Townsend, UF athletic director Jeremy Foley, and an attorney representing the University Athletic Association.
The Sentinel noted the NCAA's decision on Grier's appeal should come soon, but whether it is a matter of days or weeks is not known. The content of Grier's appeal is also not known.
