Stephen Garcia throws a pass in one his games as USC quarterback.

It’s been just a couple of days since USC’s former quarterback Stephen Garcia was officially released from the Gamecock football team. And, it’s time to move on for some of his teammates.

Today, the team will practice for the third time without their former team leader. In a last straw type of deal, Garcia was dismissed from the program Tuesday for “having a couple of beers,” which violated the zero tolerance policy Stephen had agreed to abide by.

“He’s taking it pretty hard,” backup quarterback Andrew Clifford told Midlands Connect. “I think he’s taken responsibility for his actions and we all support him. We’re going to miss him but I think our team’s ready to go.”

Garcia’s former roommate, teammate and friend Seth Strickland, says, “He’s supporting us and we’re still going to support him. Hopefully, it’s best for both parties. We’re going in different directions, but, hopefully he’ll make the best out of it and the team will make the best out of it. Hopefully, Stephen’s going to make the most out of his opportunities down the road.”

Well, isn’t that sweet.

It hasn’t been all butterflies and roses for the team, though, whose coach Steve Spurrier has been taking some heat for reportedly being too hard on the fifth-year senior.

“I try to praise all our players according to how they perform and their commitment level and so forth,” said Spurrier. “I wish he had stayed. I wish he could’ve finished his career as a Gamecock one way or another.”

Spurrier first spoke out about the dismissal Wednesday during the weekly SEC coaches teleconference, calling Garcia’s dismissal an “unfortunate situation.”

Garcia says he may release a statement soon about his departure. That should be interesting. Stay tuned.