Dabo Swinney updates punishment for 2 Clemson players recently arrested
The Clemson football team had a pair of players arrested in recent weeks in defensive lineman DeMonte Capehart and receiver Noble Johnson.
Capehart was arrested on a weapons charge and traffic charge after speeding and allegedly being pulled over with a gun in his car, as well as multiple empty beer and liquor containers.
He was allowed to rejoin the Clemson team after only a few weeks thanks to a pre-trail intervention program, according to The State.
Johnson was arrested for reckless driving after allegedly traveling 71 miles per hour in a 35 miles per hour zone, according to The State. Per The State, he hit another car, and all three individuals involved in the accident went to the hospital. That includes Johnson, who is out for the spring as he recovers.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney recently made his first public comments about the two incidents as he previewed the start of spring practice.
“Obviously we had a couple of issues within the team with Capehart and Noble. Two incredibly disappointing situations. Two good kids. Two learning opportunities for both of them,” Dabo Swinney said. “How those things are all handled is all driven through the processes and procedures that are in place from a university standpoint.
“You really kind of remove yourself from that stuff, honestly, just like you do from a guy getting hurt. You just remove yourself and let doctors and trainers manage that. And it’s no different when you have a situation like we had.”
DeMonte Capehart is entering his senior season with the Tigers. He has appeared in 34 games in his career.
Last season, Capehart recorded 15 tackles, including 5 tackles for loss. He is expected to be a big part of the defensive line this season.
Noble Johnson is a redshirt freshman for the Tigers. He played 13 offensive snaps across four games for Clemson last season.
Swinney said that both players will be punished for their actions, but the punishment will remain internal.
“Cape made a mistake. He’s a great kid, and he’ll learn from that. We’ll handle it within the team,” Swinney said. “Same thing with Noble. Both of them – Noble especially – are very fortunate that it wasn’t worse than it was.
“So it’s an opportunity to teach, an opportunity for guys to learn. Again, nobody’s immune to young people doing dumb things from time to time. It’s how you respond to those things, how you teach, how you grow from it. And we’ll use it as such.”
Clemson started spring practice on Wednesday, Feb. 28. The Tigers will conclude their spring workouts on Saturday, April 6 with the annual spring game.