Numerous Clemson athletes and people associated with the Tigers football program have come to Dabo Swinney’s defense at a time when some are looking to take down the head coach.
Some media members scrutinized the statements of Swinney and Clemson during the week in response to the protests across the country. There was also an allegation from a former player who claimed Swinney used the N-word when repeating song lyrics.
However, former Clemson tight end/wide receiver Brandon Ford disputed the story and said he didn’t recall the coach using that word.
Bro, not telling you how you should have addressed it but I was there and it’s false, I don’t recall him saying the N WORD at all. I was the 1 playing the music and it had all kinds of profanity going on because we all play the unfiltered versions. Hell its us in locker room
— Brandon Jerrod Ford (@BruceLeroy80) June 7, 2020
Current linebacker Bryton Constantin defended Swinney’s character and called the coach “honest” and “humble.”
Coach Swinney is not bringing pain to this team or any of us as players. He’s the most honest and humble coach in college football. So don’t come shooting as his character like you know him or know what goes on on this team. I promise you we straight ov here. https://t.co/PnTNdJ8vUH
— Bryton Constantin (@Kxng_Bryton) June 7, 2020
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence defended Swinney over his “Football Matters” shirt and said the entire program would defend the coach.
Coach Swinney’s shirt, in any way, is not mocking the Black Lives Matter movement. He has been wearing the shirt for months in meetings.
— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) June 7, 2020
Also a lot going on that you don’t see bro, trust me. The whole team would say the same thing as well. https://t.co/rEltRyh0T5
— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) June 7, 2020
Clemson basketball player Aamir Simms said it was “sad” people were looking to bring down Swinney.
Y’all get off Dabo man at this point y’all just trying to fill headlines and that’s sad
— Aamir Simms (@EarlShmitty_) June 7, 2020
Other Clemson players shared that they were united under faith and love.
My faith will always come first in my life. That’s why I chose to come play for this program and this coaching staff. It’s deeper than football. https://t.co/PpyYQsBZ6W
— Mike Jones Jr (@_mjones24) June 1, 2020
“LOVE doesnt see color hate does, hate doesnt have a heart LOVE does” https://t.co/ihGkW72O5N
— KJ Henry (@thekjhenry) June 1, 2020
Former Clemson player Dutch Coleman condemned the “gotcha” attack on Swinney and separated that from the issue of institutional exploitation of college athletes.
I don't mind holding coaches accountable for the collective hundred million they've made while "amateur" athletes in some cases have missed out on millions during their most valuable times. But gotcha moments isn't the way to do it. See if their programs are exploiting these men.
— Harold *Dutch* Coleman (@TheDutchColeman) June 7, 2020
Former Clemson player Miguel Chavis talked about what Swinney had done for him.
(2/4) Dabo Swinney went into his living room and made a promise to his mom, best friend’s mom and big sister. He promised to always love that boy and develop him into a good man. He promised that boy would would graduate and gain tools In life to one day be a good dad, husband,
— Coach Miguel Chavis (@MiguelChavis65) June 6, 2020
(4/4)…and the lives of college students in my community…Coach. Kept. Every. Single. Promise…and he’s STILL doing it today! LIKE and RETWEET so we can tell the WHOLE truth. #ThankYouCoachSwinney
— Coach Miguel Chavis (@MiguelChavis65) June 6, 2020
The mother of Clemson safety Ray Thornton III also had Dabo’s back.
Y’all are really reaching with all this Clemson stuff, don’t come for DABO that’s a protest YOU DONT WANT Our FAMILY SOLID
— Brandy B (@MamaRex5) June 7, 2020
Swinney, 50, has been the head coach at Clemson since 2009. He has built them into a powerhouse program that competes annually for the national championship (often against Alabama). He has led Clemson to two national championships.
