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At around 3:30pm Wednesday, we got word that South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier would be holding a press conference to "clear the air" about some things that were being mentioned about him and the team over the past few weeks. And we were all reminded once more that the Head Ball Coach doesn't take kindly to media members—enemies, as he calls them—taking shots at him and questioning his ability.
The main theme of the impromptu media gathering was the fact that, to paraphrase Spurrier, issues were being raised about his age and the potential of his retirement after the team finished 7-6 in 2014, issues that, in his view, weren't being brought up after they went 11-2 for a third straight season in 2013. One of the primary "enemies" in Spurrier's view was Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley, who was quoted by The State as calling USC a "program on the descent" and that he didn't see Spurrier "coaching much beyond (2015) if he doesn't think he has a chance to win".
This seems to be a continuation of Spurrier's walkback of comments that he made in December saying that he'd probably stick around Columbia for two to three more seasons. It didn't take long for that to leave a mark on the Gamecocks' recruiting process. But to sum it up, Spurrier, in typical Spurrier style (i.e. the word "hee-hawed" was used, along with a quote from Atilla the Hun), shot down any speculation that the end of the road was coming sooner rather than later. Oh, and he called out Clemson in the process. Because of course.
Spurrier: Qstns about my age going around. This is a msg for #Gamecocks fans. My age no big deal when 11 wins. We have enemies out there.
— Ron Aiken (@RonAiken) July 22, 2015
Spurrier: Says media who don't want to see #Gamecocks succeed are enemies. Says he won't address it in future. Hopes recuits don't believe
— Ron Aiken (@RonAiken) July 22, 2015
"They're talking negatively about me and South Carolina. And I'm sick of it." - Steve Spurrier
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWBIR) July 22, 2015
If this theme sounds familiar, it's because it's not the first time Spurrier's had to deal with "enemies" in the press.
Short version: According to Steve Spurrier, he's not going anywhere anytime soon. One thing's for sure: the Gamecocks are on the top of the national consciousness right now. Whether or not that's a good or bad thing remains to be seen.
Check out video of the entire press conference here.