INDIANAPOLIS — Expressing deep sorrow over the news that former University of South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia has been diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer, the NCAA issued a statement Thursday confirming that the 36-year-old is officially cleared to beg the public for medical expenses without facing institutional sanctions.
The collegiate governing body, which oversaw the multibillion-dollar broadcasting deals that profited off Garcia’s unpaid labor during his 2008 to 2011 tenure with the Gamecocks, noted that because his athletic eligibility has long expired, any GoFundMe donations used to pay his oncologists will not be investigated as impermissible benefits.
According to a league memo, compliance officers have carefully reviewed Garcia's medical situation and determined that surviving a terminal illness via the charity of strangers does not violate the spirit of collegiate amateurism.
Stephen was a fierce competitor who generated millions in ticket sales and television revenue for the Southeastern Conference, and our hearts go out to him and his family. Because he is no longer classified as a student-athlete under our jurisdiction, we are happy to announce he can legally accept cash from fans in order to avoid medical bankruptcy.
The University of South Carolina athletic department, which recently finalized a $300 million stadium renovation plan, similarly honored the former quarterback’s legacy by posting a highlight reel of his historic 2010 upset over No. 1 Alabama. The university’s official social media accounts paired the video with a link to his crowdfunding page, which the athletic department confirmed it has "no administrative mechanism" to contribute to.
At press time, SEC Network producers were reportedly finalizing plans to seamlessly monetize Garcia’s diagnosis with a touching, corporate-sponsored broadcast segment during halftime of Saturday's conference slate.