Clemson quarterback Chad Kelly dismissed for 'conduct detrimental to program'

Chad Kelly had been in a three-way race with Deshaun Watson and Cole Stoudt to start at quarterback. (Tyler Smith/Getty) Clemson quarterback Chad Kelly has

Chad Kelly had been in a three-way race with Deshaun Watson and Cole Stoudt to start at quarterback. (Tyler Smith/Getty)

Clemson quarterback Chad Kelly has been dismissed from the football program, the school announced on Monday. The news was first reported by TigerIllustrated.com.

In a statement, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said the decision was due to "conduct detrimental to our program."

"I have dismissed Chad Kelly for conduct detrimental to our program," said Swinney. "He has had a pattern of behavior that is not consistent with the values of our program. I hope he will mature and grow from this and become the man and player I know he can be. I wish him nothing but the best in the future academically and athletically."

Earlier Monday Marc Dopher of WYFF in Greeneville, S.C. reported that Kelly was escorted from the practice field by Clemson police.

During Clemson's spring game on Saturday, Kelly reportedly became frustrated and snapped at coaches. The Tigers' staff benched Kelly for the entire second half. Per the Charleston Post and Courier:

On his next possession, Kelly again challenged two defenders, and Garry Peters picked him off. Later in the half, the Orange squad faced a 4th-and-3 in White territory, play-caller Jeff Scott opted to punt, and Kelly was irate.

He let the coaches hear it at halftime. The coaches' response was to bench Kelly for the entire second half, which he spent fuming on the sideline -- even sniping into the fourth quarter at nearby coaches.

"You're not going to have guys crossing a line with the coaches just because they're frustrated with whatever," Swinney said. "He got frustrated and reacted the way your leader can't react. It's just that simple."

Tajh Boyd