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Shane Beamer did not have prior knowledge of Nick Emmanwori’s opt-out plans, per report
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Shane Beamer and South Carolina fell to Illinois in a heated and drama-filled Citrus Bowl this postseason. A notable storyline from that game included star defensive back Nick Emmanwori not playing in the second half for the Gamecocks.
After the game, Emmanwori confirmed it was his plan to only play the first half. He also solidified his plans to leave for the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, there was one issue with Emmanwori’s plan: Shane Beamer did not know about it, according to a report from Brad Crawford with 247 Sports.
In Crawford’s report, Beamer did not receive pre-game notification or at halftime that Emmanwori would not play in the second half. The head coach expected Emmanwori to be on the field with the first-team defense to start the second half and approached the player when he wasn’t.
After finding out Emmanwori was done, Beamer informed a staffer to escort the player to the locker room for the remainder of the game.
Whether or not Beamer handled the situation appropriately is in the eye of the beholder, but in-game opt-outs in bowl season are the latest layer that has divided some fans in college football.
Miami quarterback Cam Ward was also the topic of conversation after his own halftime opt-out in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. While Miami head coach Mario Cristobal declined to comment on how that decision was reached, Ward was obliterated by social media for sitting on the sidelines with a chance to win the game in the final minutes.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
