A day after it was reported that there was some underlying tension between Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker and head coach Dabo Swinney, Parker officially stated that he will continue to play with the team through their bowl game.
“I’m not a quitter,” Parker said. “I’m not going to walk away from this. Even if I don’t get a snap in the bowl game, I’d still be around because that’s who I am. Obviously things haven’t gone the way I’ve wanted to or the way anyone around here has wanted to. With that said, I don’t think it’s an excuse for me to move on or to run out now and quit.”
Parker, who was benched for the second time this season following a pick-six in the third quarter of Clemson’s 29-7 loss to South Carolina, was seen arguing with Swinney on the sidelines and, after the game, refused to speak with reporters.
“To be quite honest with you, don’t think I could have done anything to make the situation any better,” Parker admitted. “The questions I was going to get asked, the explanations I was feeling at the time wouldn’t have done anyone justice or done anyone any good, including myself.”
Swinney has not announced a starter for Clemson’s bowl game, but has insisted that the decision will be based on “whoever gives us the best chance to win.” Redshirt freshman Tajh Boyd has filled in for Parker at times this season and appears to be the future Colorado Rockies’ heir apparent. Either way, Parker insists that he’s committed to the Tigers 100 percent.
At least until, you know, he leaves for a whopping $1.4 million and a life of professional baseball.