Clemson’s coach, Dabo Swinney, said his team met the medical criteria for playing in opposition to the State of Florida and believed the Seminoles had canceled the game for reasons other than COVID-19.
“This game has not been cancelled due to COVID. COVID is just an excuse to cancel the game,” Swinney said angrily on Sunday night.
The Tigers, who are in fourth place, arrived in Tallahassee, Florida, on Friday when they learned that an offensive reserve lineman had tested positive for the team. Clemson temporarily drove the unidentified player away and sent him back to campus.
Swinney said the players had had breakfast under a giant “Ringling Brothers” circus tent in their hotel parking lot for final arrangements when they learned they would play.
“We listened to our doctors and their threat assessment and it wasn’t safe to play today,” Florida State Athletic Director David Coburn told the AP.
Clemson directors proposed more tests to satisfy the Florida state’s hesitation and play the game later on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. All councils were rejected and the Atlantic Coast Conference announced Saturday that doctors on both sides simply disagree that the game is safe.
“For me, the Florida state administration lost the game and if they need to play Against Clemson, in my opinion, they have to come to Clemson or they have to pay all the expenses,” Swinney said. “Other than that, there’s no explanation for why. “for us to touch them. “
The Tigers (7-1, 6-1 of the Atlantic Coast Conference) were the favorites for nearly five touchdowns against the Seminoles (2-6, 1-6) in coach Mike Norvell’s first season.
Clemson’s sports industry charges about $300,000, according to sporting director Dan Radakovich.
Radakovich said he and Clemson would work with the ACC to postpone competition. The Tigers will face Pitt on Saturday in their ultimate home game before heading to Virginia Tech on December 5 for what claims to be their final normal-season game.
Clemson died on December 12. The ACC Championship is scheduled for December 19.
Radakovich was convinced that his school was doing everything imaginable to protect his players and staff, as well as those of the other coronavirus team.
“We have protocol, ” he said.
Swinney said he attended medical meetings where procedures for an expired positive check were discussed and discussed. Travel lists have been expanded for such reasons, the coach said.
If an expired positive check can cancel a game, why play the season?” asked Swinney.
This is the first time Clemson’s soccer has been affected by the global coronavirus pandemic.
Trevor Lawrence, the current quarterback for the Heisman Trophy, tested positive Thursday before the Tigers played at Boston College on October 31. Lawrence also missed Clemson’s game at No. 2 Notre Dame, the Loss of the Tigers this season and the first defeat of the regular season since 2017, a week. later as he followed orders for his return.
This was intended to take place against the Seminoles. “Dude, we were in a position to play,” Lawrence said on Twitter shortly after the postponement.
Swinney has spoken to Norvell and blames Florida State coaches or players for playing.
“I also feel bad for your players. No one can convince me that their children don’t need to play,” Swinney said.
The Tigers were disappointed with the missed opportunity. By the time Clemson starts in opposition to Pitt next Saturday, it will be three weeks between games as he fights for a sixth consecutive ACC name and a fifth national championship since 2015.
“That’s what it is. We feel smart, we’re healthy, we’re in a position to go, we were in a smart position, in a position for the starting kick,” Swinney said. Standing there. “
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