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The South Carolina Gamecocks fell to Big Ten foe Illinois in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve, 21-17. The loss ended a six-game winning streak for the football team.
An angry Shane Beamer was seen throwing multiple tirades on the sidelines in that defeat. After the game, the frustrations continued, some of which were attributed to a star player’s halftime decision.
Junior safety Nick Emmanwori was the most productive player in the Gamecocks‘ secondary, landing first-team All-America honors from the Associated Press. He racked up an SEC-leading four interceptions to go along with team-high 83 tackles.
Despite boasting notable NFL Draft grades, he opted to suit up for his final game with South Carolina. He logged five tackles in the first half, but after the halftime break, he was nowhere to be found.
No injury was reported, and no reasoning given. Shane Beamer was asked about the absence after the game.
“It’s an internal team matter. I’m not going to discuss it.”
-Shane Beamer
Emmanwori insisted that he’d informed the team of his plan to sit out the second half. That news seemed to surprise a number of teammates, though.
“I don’t really know,” said fellow defensive back Jalen Kilgore when asked about the early exit. “It was his decision.” Linebacker Demetrius Knight, meanwhile, had to do a few double takes when realizing Emmanwori wasn’t in the game.
“There’s no drop-off when guys come in. Of course, I’ll probably look back and do a double take just to see, ‘Oh, that’s Peyton [Williams] back there.'”
-Demetrius Knight
There are conflicting reports on Nick Emmanwori’s decision.
David Cloninger of the Post and Courier spoke with Emmanwori after the fact. He was told that the midgame exit was the plan all along.
Nick Emmanwori tells me he told his coach he was only going to play a half.
Then confirms he’s gone to the NFL. “That was my last game.”
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) January 1, 2025
Brad Crawford of CBS Sports, though, says Shane Beamer was blindsided. He expected Nick Emmanwori to play the whole game.
Context from a source on the Nick Emmanwori/Citrus Bowl opt-out:
Shane Beamer was not notified pre-game or at halftime that Emmanwori would sit the second half.
The expectation was Emmanwori would trot out there with the 1s in the 3Q. He decided not to play. Beamer approached…
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) January 2, 2025
It’s unclear when the decision was made for the safety to remove himself from the lineup. It’s similar to what was seen with Miami’s Cam Ward in the Hurricanes’ bowl loss against Iowa State.
Whatever the case, Nick Emmanwori’s time at South Carolina has come to an end. He declared for the NFL Draft after the game.