COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Suspended South Carolina coach Frank Martin apologized to fans for his harsh words aimed at Gamecocks point guard Duane Notice in the loss to No. 1 Florida this week.

"I can't do anything other than apologize," Martin said Friday in a press conference to address the suspension. "I'm sorry is a powerful two words and if you use it over and over again for the same reason it loses its meaning. I can't force people to like me, but I've got to respect this university."

Martin was suspended one game by athletic director Ray Tanner on Thursday. He already apologized to Notice and is not travelling with the team to its regular-season finale at Mississippi State on Saturday. Associate head coach Matt Figger will take over the team in Starkville.