November 22, 2004
Clemson won't accept Bowl Bid
TigerNet reports that Clemson University will not accept a bid to post-season play because of Saturday's brawl.
South Carolina followed with a similar announcement later this afternoon.
The complete statement is below in the extended entry.
Here's the Clemson statement (as linked to above):
Clemson University officials announced today that it will not accept a bid for its football team to play in a post-season bowl, after several student-athletes were involved in a fight during Saturday's game with the University of South Carolina."This is more than just a football issue. The circumstances surrounding Saturday's game have impacted the perception of the character and integrity of the university. We expect all of our teams and student-athletes to act with class and dignity, and for the most part, we are very proud of our student-athletes and teams. We have outstanding coaches and student-athletes, and we understand that fighting in athletics is not acceptable," said Clemson Director of Athletics Terry Don Phillips.
"I know that this decision is not fair to the clear majority of our players or coaches. But given the circumstances, I believe strongly that it is the right decision so that our university, our student-athletes, supporters and all people that love Clemson know without question what our values are," he said.
"Football is a team sport. Sometimes there are individual breakdowns within games that affect the outcome for the entire team. This is no different. I feel horrible for our team and coaches, but again, I believe this is the appropriate action."
Clemson President James F. Barker endorsed the decision and said the university would not take further action against the student-athletes involved.
"But that does not mean this is the end of the discussion," he said. "We need to learn from this incident and others like it that are tarnishing the image of athletics. I pledge to our students, faculty, staff and alumni that we will do all we can to restore sportsmanship to college sports.
"Attending a bowl game is important to the Clemson family, but nothing is more important than the integrity of the university. What happened Saturday does not reflect the values and character of Clemson, and we need to take whatever steps are necessary to make sure it never happens again," Barker said.
Comments:
Jeff said:
posted on November 22, 2004 6:01 PM — 24.159.172.73 — link — abuse?
Some hypotheticals to throw out:
What would the impact of this brawl have been without the context of the NBA game Saturday night?Would the reaction have differed if the Holtz saga wasn't ending the way it did?
I also think the USC team was so emotional and charging the hill the way they did pregame exactly because of the Holtz-Spurrier stuff all week - tied in with payback motivations from the previous year's blowout.
I do think the officials need to be suspended now and given some remedial training in controlling a game.
Jeremy said:
posted on November 22, 2004 9:45 PM — 68.59.41.142 — link — abuse?
We are accepting bowl bids if we brawl with Wake at the beginning of the year. I'm still frustrated with this. But didn't we HAVE to do it to save face? This thing is getting so much bad press...I hate that it comes to that.
Jeff said:
posted on November 22, 2004 9:56 PM — 24.159.172.73 — link — abuse?
Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John D. Swofford comments on Clemson's decision to prohibit its football team from participating in postseason play.
"The unfortunate events that took place in last Saturday's Clemson vs. South Carolina football game have no place in college athletics. It was an inexcusable and unacceptable occurrence.
"The leadership at Clemson University has fully recognized the extreme inappropriateness of what happened. Clemson President Jim Barker and Director of Athletics Terry Don Phillips, on behalf of the University, have taken an extraordinary and decisive stance in addressing this issue. The Atlantic Coast Conference fully supports this decision.
"The Conference will continue its review of the situation to see if any further action is merited."
Patrick said:
posted on November 23, 2004 7:03 AM — 70.21.9.27 — link — abuse?
I respect each university for making the decision. But, I think it's an overreation. I think suspending every player that participated (in any way) is a better idea. Even if it's half the team.
This is football and it's a big rivalry game. This is not the first time for such a fight. Now if there are any skirmishes at all, there is going to be a drive to have each team give up it's bowl game.
posted on November 23, 2004 2:28 PM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue said:
Looks like Clemson's decision may stave off other ACC penalties.
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Kevin Donahue said:
posted on November 22, 2004 5:23 PM — link — abuse?Standing ovation for Clemson. Very, very classy. Benchmark decision for college football programs: can you measure up to Clemson?