GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida quarterback Will Grier has been suspended one year for violating the NCAA's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
The school announced the suspension at a news conference Monday and said it will appeal.
The eighth-ranked Gators are not facing a forfeiture of any wins. But the suspension could cost Grier 25 percent of his college eligibility, making the redshirt freshman a junior when he returns next October.
Grier, who gained 20 pounds in his first 18 months on campus, failed a drug test in the last two weeks. Grier said Monday he took an over-the-counter supplement, but did not specify which one.
"I did not check with the medical staff before taking it," Grier said during a minute-long apology. "I really hope that people can learn from this, learn from my mistake. I'm really, really sorry to everyone. Just really sorry."
According to NCAA rules, Grier will remain suspended during the appeals process. But he can practice with the team while he's ineligible.
The Gators play at No. 6 LSU on Saturday night, and sophomore Treon Harris will make his first start since the season opener.