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South Carolina: Newspaper's Ryan Hilinski headline 'unacceptable'

The University of South Carolina isn't accepting a local newspapers apology for a headline it deemed "unacceptable." The headline linked a Gamecocks loss to a foundation created in honor of the brother of the program’s starting quarterback. After Saturday’s 34-14 loss to Missouri, The State newspaper based in Columbia, South Carolina, ran a headline in Sunday’s paper that read: “Hilinski Hope Sinks.” Hilinski’s Hope is the foundation the Hilinski family created in honor of Tyler Hilinski – Ryan’s brother – who committed suicide in January 2018 when he was the quarterback of the Washington State Cougars. “Our sincerest apologies to the Hilinski family today for the unfortunate headline in our print edition today,” The State said Sunday in a statement. “Hilinski’s Hope works to raise awareness about mental health issues, especially for student-athletes. Although the connection between the headline and the foundation was unintentional, there is no excuse for such poor wording and we have reached out to the family and university to express our regrets.” In a message posted Sunday to their verified Twitter account, University of South Carolina released a joint statement from president Bob Caslen, athletics director Ray Tanner and coach Will Muschamp. “Hilinski’s Hope means so much to the Hilinski family, their friends, Gamecock Nation, college football fans across the country and those who have been affected by someone suffering from mental illness,” the statement read . “We were appalled to see this morning’s headline in The State newspaper that seemed cavalier about the seriousness of the mental health issue. It demonstrated a level of unprofessional and irresponsible journalism, and we find it unacceptable that the major daily newspaper in the hometown of our University would use such a headline in their game story. We don’t believe their apology is enough. We urge The State to be a leader in advocating and destigmatizing mental illness by making a very public effort to help fund and provide educational awareness to this very real problem.” Ryan Hilinski is a freshman for the Gamecocks and took over the starting job after senior Jake Bentley suffered a season-ending injury. Hilinski completed 13 of 30 passes for 166 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the loss.