Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n
In a statement released earlier today, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has announced that he will not be attending the Palmetto Family Council fundraiser where he was set to receive an award. Dabo released a statement saying;<\/p>\n
I was recently selected by the Palmetto Family Council, an organization\u00a0with which I have no association, as their ‘South Carolina Family Champion\u00a0of 2015’\u00a0and was invited to receive this recognition at an event sponsored\u00a0by the group on June 2. I had no idea that I was being invited into a\u00a0political controversy. It was my understanding that the nomination and\u00a0election for this award was based on the work done by our ‘All In\u00a0Foundation’ and the difference it is making in our community. My acceptance\u00a0of this award was to be on behalf of all the volunteers that make our\u00a0foundation a success. The work of our foundation is intended to build a\u00a0better community and be a positive influence.
\n“Recently, my scheduled participation in this event has been perceived\u00a0incorrectly as an endorsement of certain viewpoints and has entered the\u00a0political arena. I have been out of town since last Thursday and am\u00a0disappointed that this has become a distraction for me, my team and many\u00a0others. I have been and continue to be very open about my personal\u00a0beliefs. However, I do not inject those beliefs or the work of the\u00a0foundation into the political\u00a0process.
\n“I appreciate the recognition of my and the foundation’s efforts. However,\u00a0after much thought, in order to avoid a distraction for the team and the\u00a0entire football program, I’ve decided it is in the best interests of all\u00a0involved that I not attend the event on June 2.”<\/p>\n
This is likely the best decision for the football team and Clemson University. As Dabo mentioned in his statement this scheduled appearance was likely to cause more distraction for the team over the next week and possibly beyond. By changing his decision to attend Dabo can move the team and the school past this.
\nThat said, this will not change who Dabo is nor his frankness about his Christian beliefs, nor should it. One of the best qualities of Dabo is his willingness to speak his mind and recruits respond to it. Though this situation spiraled out of control in a way Dabo likely didn’t expect, it would be a shame if he changed who he is because of it.<\/p>\n