A misdemeanor drug arrest earlier this month has left Sammy Watkins’ status for Clemson’s huge season opener against Auburn in early September up in the air.
How soon said status is cleared up remains to be seen.
Speaking to a group of fans/boosters/alumni Tuesday night in Myrtle Beach, head coach Dabo Swinney stated that no decision has been made on what punitive measures, up to and including a suspension for the opener, the dynamic sophomore wide receiver may or may not be facing. From MyrtleBeachOnline:“I’m still in the process of making the best decision for everybody,” Swinney said. “I’m very disappointed in Sammy, in the decision that he made. He’s been a complete model citizen, player, teammate, student since the day he got there. It’s just a reminder that even the best of the best still do stupid things from time to time.
“… This is a teachable opportunity and I’m proud of how he’s responded, because he has responded the right way. I’m in the process of gathering all the facts and making sure I have a good grasp of the situation and what happened, and I will determine his discipline at a later time.”
How soon is later is to be determined, although people close to the program and with knowledge of the situation fully expect a season-opening suspension to ultimately serve as another “teachable moment” for the entire team.
Watkins and a member of Clemson’s men’s soccer team were arrested very early last Friday morning and charged with simple possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance, with the latter possession charge relating to two schedule-2 non-narcotics pills found on Watkins’ person for which he did not have a prescription.
As a true freshman last season, Watkins led the Tigers with 82 receptions for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns. All told, he racked up 2,288 total yards and 13 touchdowns.
(Tip O’ the Cap: Anderson Independent Mail)