Kentucky running back Seth McGowan issued a public apology Saturday night after an unusual incident during the Wildcats’ 35–13 loss to South Carolina.
McGowan capped off Kentucky’s opening drive with a 20-yard touchdown run and tossed the football in celebration toward the hedges at the back of the Williams-Brice Stadium end zone. Instead, the ball sailed into the stands and struck a fan on the shoulder, who was later revealed to be the grandfather of Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
"They showed it on the jumbotron and I was like, ‘Oh, yo, that’s my granddaddy,’” Sellers said postgame. Fortunately, he confirmed his grandfather was fine and remained in good spirits after the game.
LaNorris Sellers said on SEC Network that the man who was hit by this ball was his grandfather pic.twitter.com/3rDwNGsMQ5
— Matt Dowell (@MattDowellTV) September 28, 2025
McGowan addressed the incident on social media, writing, “Today during our game vs South Carolina, I threw a ball after a touchdown meaning to throw it at the barrier in front of the stands and during a high energy moment the ball struck a fan. What I did was absolutely unacceptable and not at all reflective of myself nor this program.” He added that he hopes to connect directly with Sellers’ family to apologize personally and also extended an apology to South Carolina fans and the program as a whole.
South Carolina presented Sellers’ grandfather with a game ball following the win. The Gamecocks rising star and projected 2026 NFL Draft prospect, guided his team with 234 total yards, while Kentucky struggled after its early score. McGowan, who finished with 112 rushing yards, provided Kentucky’s lone bright spot on the night.
South Carolina moved to 3-2 on the season with the win and hit a bye week before facing No. 13 LSU on Saturday, Oct 11.
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