Three Clemson players suspended for Orange Bowl for failed drug tests

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) – Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Wednesday that he has sent three players home from the Orange Bowl for violating team rules.

Wide receiver Deon Cain, tight end Jay Jay McCullough and kicker Ammon Lakip failed a drug test, according to reports from The Clemson Insider and The (Charleston) Post & Courier. Cain was the team’s second receiver, having snagged five touchdowns and 582 yards on 34 catches while providing a deep threat to the offense. Lakip, who served a three-game suspension earlier this season for an offseason arrest for cocaine possession, handled some kickoffs and extra points.

McCullough did not have a reception this season as a reserve tight end.

If the Tigers win Thursday’s game against Oklahoma, Swinney says all three players will remain suspended for the national championship game. Clemson would have to beat Oklahoma to advance to that game. McCullough was suspended for the team’s season opener against Wofford for a matter related to academics.

“It’s a distraction for me because I have to answer questions about three guys”, Swinney said.

Cain’s loss is a big deal for the Tigers. “Those guys, they’re focused on doing what they do, it has nothing to do with them”.

He said Cain would have the chance to rejoin the team after he ‘grows up’.