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Notoriously long-winded Shane Beamer triggered social media on Monday with his opening statement at SEC Media Days. The South Carolina head football coach addressed his audience for nearly 20 minutes before passing the mic to the floor for questions.
It’s far from the first time he’s been criticized for dragging out his time at the podium. In fact, even he commented on his lengthy media appearances from years past.
Shane Beamer said about 5 minutes ago he didn’t want to have the longest opening statement of the event for a third straight year.
His opening statement is still ongoing.
Aaron Gershon // X: @agershon99
Beamer, who took over in Columbia ahead of the 2021 season, has now attended SEC Media Days four times. In each of the last two events, his opening statement has been the longest of any head coach.
It appears he’ll successfully defend that crown again in 2024.
The coach broke down what he expects from his group following a disappointing 5-7 season. While there was much to address surrounding transfer portal additions, recruiting, and the replacement of QB Spencer Rattler, most believed he could’ve been a bit briefer in his assessment of the program.
South Carolina’s Shane Beamer is available for 30 minutes in main press conference at SEC media days. His opening statement clocks in at 17 minutes, easily one of the longest opening filibusters in SEC media days history.
-Brett McMurphy // X: @Brett_McMurphy
He spent more time previewing his team than he allowed for media questioning – taking up nearly 2/3 of his allocated slot.
Social media hilariously reacted to Shane Beamer’s opening statement at SEC Media Days.
Some of you will have finished your first season in dynasty by the time Shane Beamer’s finished his opening statement.
-Tom Fornelli // X: @TomFornelli
He just kept going!
I wrote two stories while Shane Beamer gave his opener …
-Dustin Schutte // X: @SchutteDustin
Beamer has never been one to miss an opportunity to promote the positives about his program. He’s a passionate leader who takes pride in what he’s trying to build at South Carolina.
Some just wish he’d do so a bit more hastily!
Shane Beamer will finish his opening statement tomorrow.
Sit tight.
-Justin Frommer // X:@JustinbFrommer
The Gamecocks are looking to bounce back from a bowl-less season.
And Beamer believes they’ll do so.
He preached about his excitement for the year to come while making that appearance in Dallas – even though others continue to doubt.
“I really, really, really like our football team going into 2024. Most of you don’t, and that’s ok,” he said while speaking to media members. “When you guys do your picks on Thursday, we’ll be picked 14th, 15th, or 16th, I’m sure, but I’m excited about this group.”
What’s his expectation for this year and the years to come? He wants to compete for championships.
Year 1: Bowl Game
Year 2: 8 wins including a win over Tennessee
Year 3: 5-7@GamecockFB HC Shane Beamer tells @KrisBudden, @FozzyWhitt & @JacobHester why even though they had a down year, but the championship mentality has not changed.#SECMediaDays | @CoachSBeamer | #SpursUp pic.twitter.com/jpBRa3LZUM— College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) July 15, 2024
“There’s no ceiling at the University of South Carolina,” Beamer said at the podium. “Our expectations at South Carolina are to compete for a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff year in, year out.”
He has a ways to go following last year’s five-win campaign. If things don’t improve, he won’t be able to defend his opening statement title for much longer.