ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney says star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and two other players failed NCAA tests for performance enhancing drugs and might not play in the Cotton Bowl against No. 3 Notre Dame.
Swinney said at a news conference Monday at AT&T Stadium that the NCAA informed Clemson trace amounts of ostarine were found in samples given by Lawrence, reserve offensive tackle Zach Giella and freshman tight end Braden Galloway. Ostarine, also known as enobosarm, is used to treat osteoporosis, but can also act like an anabolic steroid.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said NCAA notified DT Dexter Lawrence, OL Zach Giella & TE Braden Galloway they failed drug tests with sliver of ostarine. Players thought it was a joke at first. More clarity to come with B sample later in week
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) December 24, 2018
RELATED: Clemson's "Fridge Package" is Definitely Hall of Fame Worthy
"I think it's important, very important that the message is accurate and that the truth is told because these are three great young men that I believe in and that I know, without a doubt, have not intentionally done anything to jeopardize their opportunity or this team." — Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney
Three Clemson players failed a drug test. Dexter Lawrence, Braden Galloway and Zach Giella had ostarine in their systems.
Dabo Swinney says they're innocent. pic.twitter.com/6aGuAaEZ0m
— Grace Remington WVTM (@GraceWVTM13) December 25, 2018
Swinney said the players told him they had not intentionally taken the substance. Clemson is awaiting results of a second sample from each player. The NCAA ban for failing a PED test is one calendar year.
READ MORE: Fire These 5 College Football Coaches and They'd Make Over $30 Million
You Might Also Like
Clemson
2 Clemson Football Players Suspended for Entire 2019 Season
By Associated PressClemson
Dabo Swinney's Real Name Was a Mystery Until 3rd Grade
By Chris PicaroAlabama
Dabo Swinney says only one team has what it takes to beat Alabama
By Brad RowlandClemson
Dabo Swinney, Clemson Agree to 10-Year, $93 Million Contract
By John DuffleyncG1vNJzZmiekaOvtsbZZ5qopV%2BYvK24xKCcZp6fpMGjrculZpqbk2SwrbHMrKanZ5GleqS4xKaqqKZdpbKledOeqq2rXw%3D%3D