Claims Clemson used racial slurs ‘absolutely false,’ Dabo Swinney says

Bob Hille

Claims Clemson used racial slurs ‘absolutely false,’ Dabo Swinney says image

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney defended his team Sunday against allegations by South Carolina players that his No. 4 Tigers used racial slurs against their in-state rivals.

“Obviously everybody is talking about that and that’s a shame. Absolutely I asked my guys about that and to a man (it's) absolutely false,” Swinney said (via TheState.com). "And I believe my guys. I know the character of our team. That’s really all I have to say about it.”

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South Carolina linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams was recorded on video after the game Saturday night accusing — in detail — an unidentified Clemson offensive lineman of using a racial slur some 80 minutes before kickoff Saturday near the west end-zone stands at Clemson, setting off a brief scuffle between players from both teams.

According to The State, South Carolina defensive end Dante Sawyer weighed in after the game via social media: “Racism still alive in Clemson, I see. Classless SOBs, still calling people (racial slur) is crazy.”

Sawyer said via Twitter on Sunday that Clemson senior offensive lineman Jay Guillermo had been in contact about the situation and “received all my respect.”

South Carolina, through a team spokesman, told The Post & Courier of Charleston, S.C., on Sunday that Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp "doesn't have any comment at this time." Muschamp wasn't asked about the accusation and didn't bring it up late Saturday night after South Carolina's 56-7 loss.

Bob Hille

Bob Hille Photo

Bob Hille, a senior content consultant for The Sporting News, has been part of the TSN team for most of the past 30 years, including as managing editor and executive editor. He is a native of Texas (forever), adopted son of Colorado, where he graduated from Colorado State, and longtime fan of “Bull Durham” (h/t Annie Savoy for The Sporting News mention).