SC’s Geathers reinstated, suspended for one game

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina starting defensive end Clifton Geathers will serve a one-game suspension once he is medically cleared to play.

South Carolina athletic spokesman Steve Fink said Tuesday that Geathers has been allowed to return to practice and team activities.

Geathers was arrested Aug. 23 by Columbia police and charged with disorderly conduct, drunkenness and resisting arrest.

Geathers’ booking photo showed his right eye swollen shut. South Carolina assistant Ellis Johnson said Geathers was being checked out for a broken orbital bone.

Fink said Geathers has not yet been cleared for game action. If the junior is medically cleared before the Gamecocks’ opener with North Carolina State on Thursday night, he would miss that contest.

If it takes longer for approval, Geathers could miss South Carolina’s game with Georgia on Sept. 12.