Former Clemson TE Backs Dabo Swinney and Contradicts Statement Coach Used N-Word in Locker Room
The Clemson football program came under a bit of fire when it was revealed assistant coach Danny Pearman used a racial slur during a 2017 practice. This was clearly inappropriate and the coach issued an apology.
Then Dabo Swinney was thrown into the spotlight when former player Haamid Williams went on Twitter and said the coach used the N-word when talking to players in the locker room. The claim was that music featuring vulgar language was being played loud and Swinney came in and had a problem with that. Yet another former player, tight end Brandon Ford, refuted that statement and said Swinney never used the slur.
Bro, not telling you how you should have addressed it but I was there and it’s false, I don’t recall him saying the N WORD at all. I was the 1 playing the music and it had all kinds of profanity going on because we all play the unfiltered versions. Hell its us in locker room
— Brandon Jerrod Ford (@BruceLeroy80) June 7, 2020
Swinney had another prospective coach on a visit and didn't want the music to make a bad impression. Ford claims that Swinney was upset, but never went as far as Williams claimed he did.
And we be jammin and having a great time. Swinney was upset because he happened to be showing a coach out facilities and it could have made it be a bad impression. He did come up to the team meeting room expressing that he doesn’t want to experience that again but he didn’t say
— Brandon Jerrod Ford (@BruceLeroy80) June 7, 2020
Williams was a running back and had a handful of carries in limited action back in 2013. His initial claims were strong and it is possible they aren't false. However, Ford's claim completely contradicts him and the former tight end seems to believe it did not happen.
But hey we all ain’t perfect and we make mistakes. Im not here to slander you or make you look dumb I just want to speak on my behalf. If It did happen I would have def agreed with you or backed you. No worries though it’s a tough time in the world today and this is a sensitive
— Brandon Jerrod Ford (@BruceLeroy80) June 7, 2020
For now, the conflicting viewpoints cast doubt on the rumor, but Swinney may have to address yet another racial accusation this week.