Discounted hotel rates? Seriously?
When Steve Spurrier isn’t taking jabs at Tennessee, he is busy figuring out how to deal with the NCAA breathing down his team’s back. Last night, it looks like the remaining South Carolina football players who were residing in meager accommodations were told to settle their bills, if any, and move out of the Whitney Hotel. Since the coach’s stern directive, several players were seen packing their bags and moving out of the posh Columbia roadhouse. The Whitney is known for catering to the Gamecocks’ top brass as coaches and university personnel frequent the establishment.
The NCAA is investigating whether the players received certain discounted rates which would be considered an extra benefit and against NCAA policy. The investigation stems from players residing at the hotel and shacking up in their two bedroom suites during these past weeks. However, there is question regarding who picked up the tab if one existed at all.
When Spurrier was asked about the players living at the Whitney, he said he was aware of that but did not know about any special arrangements. Of course, plausible deniability is always a strong default answer under high pressure situations. But it doesn’t take an economist to recognize that if a scholarship player at South Carolina receives $500/month stipend for housing, how could that player afford an average nightly rate at the Whitney of $125/night.
As the investigation continues, South Carolina and coach Spurrier are preparing for the upcoming season as if no player is being suspended for any wrongful act.
