CLEMSON, SC (WSPA/WBTW) – The three Clemson University football players suspended after they failed a drug test prior to the Cotton Bowl game in Texas will not be playing in Monday’s National Championship game against Alabama.
News13’s Nexstar sister station WSPA previously reported that Clemson’s Coach Dabo Swinney said that the NCAA informed the university on Dec. 20 that trace amounts of Ostarine were found in samples given by Dexter Lawrence, reserve offensive tackle Zach Giella and freshman tight end Braden Galloway.
Lawrence, Giella and Galloway were suspended prior to the Cotton Bowl and were ineligible to play in the game.
The university filed notices of appeal with the NCAA, which was requested by the three student-athletes, and are still working with their legal team.
On Thursday, Clemson’s Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich said the appeals process will not be completed before Monday’s game.
The following is the full statement from Radakovich:
“Clemson will not have tight end Braden Galloway, offensive lineman Zach Giella and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence available for Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship against Alabama. However, Clemson has been informed by the NCAA that the three student-athletes will be permitted to travel to Santa Clara, Calif., with the team later this week.
“As requested by these student-athletes, Clemson filed notices of appeal with the NCAA. We will continue to work with the three impacted student-athletes and their legal representatives over the coming weeks to prepare the appeals. Neither Clemson, Galloway, Giella nor Lawrence anticipate having further comment on this matter until after the appeals have concluded.”
Ostarine, also known as enobosarm, is used to treat osteoporosis, but can also act like an anabolic steroid.
Swinney said the players told him they had not intentionally taken the substance.
Before the game, join News13 for a half-hour championship preview special at 7 p.m. on Monday. Kick-off will be at 8 p.m. eastern.