Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney responded to an allegation of abuse towards a player who decided to transfer from the college football program. Per a report by Athlon Sports, Clemson legend Terry Kinard said Swinney punished his son, Jaden Kinard, for choosing to transfer from the Tigers:
“Coach Dabo Swinney was not having it,” Kinard posted. “He made Jaden’s last two practices the worst experience of the entirety of the time he was there. He purposely belittled Jaden, insulted him, and called him names.
This two-day public onslaught went far beyond anything resembling any kind of appropriate coach-to-athlete exchange. Coaches can use tough tactics when trying to get the best out of a player. This was definitely not that! It became obviously personal and it was obviously overkill.”
Terry’s accusation ignited a firestorm on social media. Many fans were upset with Swinney for punishing a player for hitting the transfer portal, especially after they chose to stay on with Clemson for their bowl game.
Dabo Swinney responds to alleged abuse accusation
Swinney recently responded to Terry’s post. According to 7 News, Swinney denied he punished the redshirt freshman safety for deciding to transfer from Clemson. He said Jaden “earned” the punishment for another reason:
“We just had an accountability run, coach Batson schedules these runs all throughout the year. Most of the teams didn’t have to run but one team did have to run several over and backs,” Swinney said. “There were about five or six guys who got their butts chewed out, and they earned it.”
“Football at this level is not for everybody. The discipline, accountability, and toughness, it’s hard at this level,” Swinney added.
Clemson isn’t right for everyone, and hopefully, Jaden will be happier at a new school. It’s interesting Swinney is referring to an accountability run, as Terry posted that his son received a two-practice punishment.
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