Dabo Swinney Says COVID was Excuse to Cancel Game

By Zach Wagner

Head Football Coach Dabo Swinney did not hold back during his teleconference with the media on Sunday night. Swinney stated that “this game was not canceled because of COVID. COVID was just an excuse.” 

The pieces to the puzzle have started to fit together in the story on just why the Clemson-Florida State game was postponed on Saturday morning, with just three hours until kick.

Clemson arrived in Tallahassee on Friday afternoon and checked into its team hotel. After the medical staff was made aware of a positive test to a backup offensive lineman had tested positive on a test that the team takes every Friday before traveling. The individual was immediately placed in self isolation and plans were made to get the player back to Clemson.

Swinney was made aware of concerns made by Florida State on possibly not playing early on Saturday morning. Coach and staff then had to alert the team, who was just finishing up breakfast, and scrambled to find a pilot to get them back to Clemson. 

Dabo was not happy with the decision made by the Seminoles to say the least. Here are some of the most fiery quotes from his teleconference:

Swinney: "This game was not canceled because of COVID. COVID was just an excuse to cancel the game."#ClemsonSportsNews

— ClemsonSportsNews (@ClemSportNews) November 22, 2020

Swinney: "If they want to play Clemson, in my opinion, they should have to play here or have all expenses paid."#ClemsonSportsNews

— ClemsonSportsNews (@ClemSportNews) November 22, 2020

Swinney: "A guy testing positive on Friday, does not mean the game is cancelled. I was in every virtual call and that was never the case."#ClemsonSportsNews

— ClemsonSportsNews (@ClemSportNews) November 22, 2020

Swinney: "To me the Florida State administration forfeited the game."

— ClemsonSportsNews (@ClemSportNews) November 22, 2020

Swinney also brought up the fact that quarterback Trevor Lawrence tested positive on Thursday before the Boston College game, and had been around the team and practicing everyday that week. He stated that Boston College had no problem at all coming down to Death Valley and playing and Notre Dame had no concerns about playing the next week as well. 

It is easy to see why Swinney is so upset. Clemson and its staff and players have made so many sacrifices and given up so much this season to play. Like Coach Swinney said multiple times, they met the standard to play, and should have. 

There is still no clear information on whether Clemson and Florida State will make this game up (possibly on December 12th) and Swinney directed all questions about scheduling to Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich.  

Swinney: "I talked to a couple different coaches and they feel the same way I feel."#ClemsonSportsNews

— ClemsonSportsNews (@ClemSportNews) November 22, 2020

Swinney: "Trevor Lawrence practiced every day besides Thursday and Boston College didn't have any problem coming down here and playing. Notre Dame didn't have any concerns of any "lingering"".#ClemsonSportsNews

— ClemsonSportsNews (@ClemSportNews) November 22, 2020

Swinney: "The guys were extremely ticked and disappointed. I told them we'll keep moving forward and that's the type of year it has been anyways."#ClemsonSportsNews

— ClemsonSportsNews (@ClemSportNews) November 22, 2020

Swinney: "To me the Florida State administration forfeited the game."

— ClemsonSportsNews (@ClemSportNews) November 22, 2020

Swinney: "If they want to play Clemson, in my opinion, they should have to play here or have all expenses paid."#ClemsonSportsNews

— ClemsonSportsNews (@ClemSportNews) November 22, 2020

Swiney: "We met the standard to play and we should have played."#ClemsonSportsNews

— ClemsonSportsNews (@ClemSportNews) November 22, 2020

Swinney: "If they want to play Clemson, in my opinion, they should have to play here or have all expenses paid."#ClemsonSportsNews

— ClemsonSportsNews (@ClemSportNews) November 22, 2020