‘Tis the season for college students to finish exams and wait for the fall semester report cards. Of course it helps if you actually put in the effort and go to class.

South Carolina junior safety Emanuel Cook pulled a Byron Hanspard and did not pass the six hours that are required by the NCAA for bowl game participation. Cook, a second-team All-SEC performer and South Carolina’s leading tackler, will declare for the NFL draft.

Steve Spurrier wasn’t pleased.

“It is disappointing he did not think of his teammates or his university,” said Spurrier.
“It is not hard to pass six hours. He didn’t put much effort in, it appears. That is why he is not playing. It appears right now he has played his last game.”

Spurrier’s choice of words announcing Cook’s ineligibility hardly sounded final though. “It appears Emanuel Cook didn’t make it,” said Spurrier. “Right now, he will not play in the game.” Spurrier hasn’t been shy about going to bat over academics before, so are there appeals in the works?