Clemson’s Swinney Criticizes NFL Players Returning to College Football as ‘Embarrassing’

POLICY WIRE — Clemson, S.C. — Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has voiced his strong opposition to the potential return of former NFL players to college football, labeling the concept as a ‘joke’ and ’embarrassing’. This comes as his team prepares to face No. 11 LSU, a team at the heart of this controversy.

Swinney expressed his frustration ahead of Clemson’s season opener against LSU on Saturday night. He believes the current state of college football is embarrassing and has been for some time.

Former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright has started practicing at LSU under first-year head coach Lane Kiffin. However, due to the NCAA’s acclimatization protocol, Wright is not expected to play this week. The status of Wright and other players who spent part of the offseason with NFL clubs remains uncertain.

All Power Four conferences, along with three of the Group of Six conferences, have prohibited pro players from returning to college football. This rule has led to legal challenges.

Kiffin, who moved from Ole Miss to LSU this offseason, has faced criticism for recruiting former NFL players. He defended his actions, stating his decisions are made in the best interest of the players, not his reputation. Kiffin also argued that if college players are being paid like professionals, college teams should be allowed to make late roster additions.

This stance is in direct conflict with the SEC’s presidents and chancellors, who have reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing the rule. Tennessee chancellor Donde Plowman, the president of the SEC executive committee, emphasized the group’s unity on this issue.

Swinney, who has only met Kiffin once, clarified that he has no personal issues with him. He also does not blame players for seeking opportunities after being cut from NFL rosters. However, he is clearly frustrated with the lack of governance in college football.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and Northwestern coach David Braun have echoed Swinney’s sentiments, criticizing the practice of replacing college students with former NFL players.

In addition to former NFL players, college football rosters are also seeing players who sued to gain an extra year of eligibility by challenging the NCAA’s new 5-in-5 rule. One such player, former Notre Dame defensive lineman Junior Tuihalamaka, is expected to be available for LSU’s game against Clemson.

Swinney humorously noted that the Clemson staff has had to review preseason NFL film to prepare for this week’s game. Despite his criticisms, Swinney emphasized that his focus remains on his own team.

In a light-hearted moment, Swinney joked about Clemson’s former running back Adam Randall, who now plays for the Baltimore Ravens, suggesting that if Randall had been waived, Clemson might have had a chance to re-recruit him.

The NCAA received a favorable ruling from a judge in South Carolina, denying an injunction sought by Clemson baseball player Ty Dalley and 17 others who sued over the five-year rule. The NCAA expressed appreciation for the court’s decision and reiterated its support for the Protect College Sports Act.

The FBS Athletic Directors Association, representing ADs from the 134 schools that play football at the highest level of Division I, also expressed support for the bill, highlighting the need for clear rights and protections for student-athletes and common, enforceable rules for institutions.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)