Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia announced on social media that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer, ESPN reported Thursday.
Garcia played at South Carolina during a tenure that made him one of the more memorable and complicated figures in Gamecocks football history. He started under head coach Steve Spurrier and was at various points one of the most talented quarterbacks in the SEC, though his time at the program was marked by repeated disciplinary issues that eventually led to his dismissal from the team.
No additional details were immediately available regarding Garcia's treatment plan or prognosis. The announcement was made directly by Garcia on his social media accounts, according to ESPN, which reported the news Thursday.
Garcia's playing career at South Carolina ended before his eligibility was exhausted. He later attempted professional football but did not establish himself at the next level. He has remained a recognizable name among fans of the program from that era.
Stage 4 colorectal cancer indicates the disease has spread beyond the colon or rectum to other parts of the body. It is the most advanced stage of the diagnosis. Garcia did not provide further specifics about his condition in the initial social media post, per ESPN's reporting.
