Whatever South Carolina wide receiver Shaq Roland did to get himself suspended, it apparently was no small matter.
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Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said Tuesday that Roland, who was withheld from playing in a road win over Central Florida Saturday, will also miss upcoming games against Kentucky and Arkansas, according to the Twitter feed of Gamecocks beat writer David Cloninger. Roland can return to the team against Tennessee on Oct. 19.
While it remains unclear exactly what Roland's transgression was, Spurrier said over the weekend that it was not drug-related, behavior-related, or academic-related. It was described merely as a violation of athletic department policy.
Roland is averaging 20.1 yards per catch this year, easily the best average among South Carolina's regular receiving rotation. The true sophomore will leave the Gamecocks without a key receiving threat.
In place of Roland, South Carolina will likely look to Damiere Byrd for additional playing time against the Wildcats and Razorbacks. South Carolina (3-1) may be without quarterback Connor Shaw (shoulder sprain) as well.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread.