Gamecock Larry has died. USC sports, radio communities mourn superfan’s passing

Gamecock Larry, WNKT 107.5 FM’s most loyal and well-known listener and caller, has died. He was 93.

Lawrence Griffin, as he was known off the air, was a beloved figure in the South Carolina sports community. He remained a constant presence on the airwaves, charming listeners with his sweet demeanor, thick Southern accent and signature sign-off — an enthusiastic yell of “Go Gamecocks!”

Griffin, a native of Swansea and a graduate of Brookland-Cayce High School, nurtured a lifelong love for the Gamecocks. His boundless optimism about every USC program endeared him to fans and radio hosts alike.

“He was an eternal optimist when it came to his beloved Gamecocks,” said Elijah Campbell, co-host of 107.5 FM’s “Post-Game” show. “Even when the chips were down, he was always banking on them bouncing back.”

Griffin’s final call came Wednesday night, a day after USC men’s basketball defeated Clemson in overtime to secure a 4-0-2 lead in the Palmetto Series. True to form, his parting words captured his pride and joy, “We own the state of South Carolina.”

Griffin had faith even when others doubted. Campbell recalled that when USC football exceeded expectations by winning nine games this season, there was one person he knew believed in them all along — Griffin.

His calls to 107.5 FM, which switched to an all-sports format in 2007, often became extended conversations filled with predictions, reflections and unwavering faith in the team. The on-air hosts often let Griffin speak uninterrupted, recognizing the joy and familiarity he brought to their listeners.

For decades, Griffin was a fixture of USC sports talk radio. Normally, callers wait until they wake up, have a cup of coffee and are fully energized before ringing the phone line.

Not Griffin. He faithfully called at 6 a.m. sharp to talk about the Gamecocks, and would be upset on the days that he couldn’t. He also would show up at different locations from where 107.5 FM would be broadcasting that day.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to Gamecock Larry’s family. We will miss talking with you every day, old friend,” 107.5 FM said in a statement via X on Thursday.

Carlton Thompson has died. The USC super fan known as Baseline Jesus was famous for throwing his flag at basketball and baseball games.