Lexington, Kentucky, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Kentucky running back Seth McGowan has issued a public apology after accidentally injuring a fan during a touchdown celebration. The incident involved tossing the ball into the stands, striking a man later identified as the grandfather of South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Fortunately, the fan was not seriously hurt. McGowan, who has had a standout season with six rushing touchdowns, expressed regret for the incident and intends to reach out to the injured fan or his family to make amends.
Lexington, Kentucky – Kentucky running back Seth McGowan has publicly apologized after an errant football thrown into the stands during a celebration injured a fan, who was later identified as the grandfather of South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers. The incident occurred following McGowan’s first rushing touchdown during a game against South Carolina, which ended in a 35-13 loss for the Wildcats.
McGowan scored on a 20-yard run, marking his sixth rushing touchdown of the season. His celebration took a turn when he tossed the football into the audience, inadvertently striking the fan on the shoulder. Immediately after, McGowan recognized the gravity of the act and took to social media to express that his actions were “absolutely unacceptable.” He emphasized that the incident did not reflect his character or the values of the Kentucky football program. He also offered to make amends, seeking to connect with the injured fan or his family.
Fortunately, LaNorris Sellers confirmed that his grandfather was not seriously hurt and remained in good spirits following the game, allowing for a sigh of relief among fans and players alike. In a gesture of sportsmanship, South Carolina’s team presented a game ball to the fan in acknowledgment of the incident, showcasing camaraderie despite the competitive nature of the event.
McGowan’s performance has shone amid Kentucky’s disappointing season, where they have lost seven straight games against Southeastern Conference (SEC) opponents. He has made history by being the first Kentucky player to score a rushing touchdown in each of the first four games since 1995. If he continues his impressive performance, he stands a chance to break the single-season rushing touchdown record of 19 set by Benny Snell in 2017.
The Wildcats are striving to turn around their recent struggles, facing a challenging season with multiple defeats. Nonetheless, McGowan’s rising star power has provided a glimmer of hope for fans who look to see their team bounce back in future matchups.
Key Performances
- McGowan scored a total of six rushing touchdowns this season.
- This includes a touchdown during the opening drive against South Carolina.
- He is on track to possibly exceed Snell’s single-season rushing record if current performance levels remain consistent.
Background Context
The Kentucky Wildcats have had a tumultuous season, struggling to secure wins against SEC rivals. McGowan’s growing prowess on the field has sparked hope in a season that has otherwise been filled with adversity for the team. Despite the competitiveness and intensity of the games, the incident involving the football serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the importance of player accountability.
FAQs
What caused the injury to the fan during the game?
Seth McGowan threw the football into the stands after scoring a touchdown, which accidentally hit a fan, specifically the grandfather of South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
How did McGowan respond to the incident?
McGowan issued an apology on social media, stating that his actions were unacceptable and did not reflect his values or those of the program. He also expressed a desire to contact the injured fan or his family to apologize directly.
Was the injured fan seriously hurt?
No, LaNorris Sellers confirmed that his grandfather sustained only a minor injury and was in good spirits after the incident.
What was the outcome of the game between Kentucky and South Carolina?
Kentucky lost the game to South Carolina with a final score of 35-13.
What is Seth McGowan’s performance record this season?
McGowan has scored six rushing touchdowns so far this season, and he is the first player from Kentucky to score a rushing touchdown in each of the first four games since 1995.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- CBS Sports
- On3
- Sports Illustrated
- OutKick
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Wildcats Football
- Google Search: Seth McGowan
- Google Scholar: Seth McGowan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Wildcats
- Google News: Seth McGowan
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