Clemson coach Dabo Swinney confirms suspension of 3 players

Clemson has suspended three players for the entirety of postseason play, coach Dabo Swinney confirmed at a press conference Wednesday.

Clemson has suspended three players for the entirety of postseason play, coach Dabo Swinney confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday.

Freshman wide receiver Deon Cain, senior kicker Ammon Lakip and junior tight end Jay Jay McCullough were all sent home after failing a drug test. Swinney said that even if Clemson beats Oklahoma on Thursday and advances to the national championship game, the three players would not participate.

“You don’t do the right things, there are consequences,” he said.

The suspensions bring the end of the careers for Lakip and McCullough at Clemson. The postseason was already scheduled to be the last appearance for Lakip, and Swinney stated that McCullough will likely graduate in the summer and have the opportunity to play at a different program.

Cain has been an important piece of the Tigers offense this season, ranking second on the team in receiving yards (582) and touchdowns (5). He will be able to rejoin the program next season.

Swinney played down the importance of Cain in his offense, saying receiver Charone Peake had had always been lined up as the starter and that he is confident in Trevion Thompson as the backup.

Clemson has had 10 different players catch a touchdown pass this season and seven record at least 20 receptions.

All three players suspended are listed as backups on the Clemson depth chart.