Spurrier vs. Morris: Fans React

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The fallout continues tonight and Gamecock nation appears to be slightly divided on the issue at hand. However, there are two parties standing together, the University of South Carolina and Head Football Coach Steve Spurrier. “Freedom of sppech lets Ron Morris say what he wants, right or wrong. Slander is not ok.” “Honestly, I think Spurrier is entitled to his own opinion,” says another Gamecock fan. The battle between Coach Spurrier and State Newspaper columnist Ron Morris, came to the surface last year when Coach Spurrier refused to hold a press conference with Morris present. The battle carried over into this year after Spurrier did not take questions following USC’s win over Missouri and again the next day via teleconference. So it didn’t take long before the reason came out. First, an article by Morris questioning Spurring starting quarterback Connor Shaw after a shoulder injury. “The whole thing is ridiculous,” says one Gamecock fan. Also in a recent interview on XM Radio, Morris compared his situation with Spurrier to the recent situation at Penn State. Spurrier then blasted Morris on his call-in radio show Thursday night calling for changes at the State Newspaper. USC Athletics Director Ray Tanner released the following statement to ABC Columbia News, Friday: “I have engaged in several conversations with The State newspaper regarding the situation between Coach Spurrier and Ron Morris. Coach Spurrier has my total support in this matter. I believe, as he does, that his reputation and integrity have come under attack. We believe the criticism brought on Coach Spurrier has crossed the line to where it has become personal in nature, and that is unacceptable.” ABC Columbia News tried several times to get a comment from the State Newspaper, but our calls were not returned.