News-Record.com

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is hinting that suspended quarterback Stephen Garcia could return earlier than expected.

Spurrier said Tuesday he'd know in the next few days if Garcia would be there when the Gamecocks report for summer practice later this week. The freshman had been suspended by the university from practicing with the team until Aug. 15.

Spurrier says he hoped Garcia would get the green light to rejoin the team, but would stay out of what is the university's decision.

Spurrier has said that junior Tommy Beecher would be South Carolina's starter at quarterback this fall, no matter who else is in camp.

ARKANSAS: Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino suspended linebacker Freddy Burton and wide receiver Marques Wade for the season's first two games after both were arrested on drunken driving charges. Wade, who played four games last year, was arrested Saturday after authorities say he nearly hit a police officer with his car. Police say the 19-year-old registered a 0.11 on a blood-alcohol. Arkansas' legal limit is 0.08. In a separate case, Burton pleaded guilty Monday to misdemeanor charges of drunken driving and careless driving that were filed after a June traffic stop. He faces an Aug. 8 sentencing.

BASKETBALL

WEST VIRGINIA: Two West Virginia University basketball players were charged with scuffling with police and underage drinking after a fight at a Pittsburgh Pirates game. Joe Mazzulla and Cameron Thoroughman were arrested Monday at PNC Park, where the Pirates were playing the Colorado Rockies. Mazzulla, a 6-foot-2 junior from Johnston, R.I., was charged with aggravated assault, hindering apprehension and underage drinking. Thoroughman, a 6-7 sophomore from Portsmouth, Ohio, was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and underage drinking. The 20-year-old players began arguing with police when they refused a request for identification, according to a criminal complaint. The officers said the two smelled of alcohol.