COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina freshman receiver Damiere Byrd has been suspended four games by the NCAA for his involvement with a mentoring organization.
The Student Athlete Mentoring Foundation is the same organization Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd was involved with and he received a two-game suspension.
The NCAA released its decision on Byrd Friday. The 12th-ranked Gamecocks (1-0) play at Georgia on Saturday.
The NCAA says Byrd and his family received $2,700 — the same as Floyd — in impermissible benefits from a Gamecocks' booster. The NCAA also says the inducements included lodging, transportation and meals during unofficial visits to South Carolina. The NCAA says Byrd or his family attended parties at the booster's home and received gift cards.
South Carolina athletic director Eric Hyman says the school is considering an appeal.
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