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Dabo Swinney wants 'common sense' committee to deal with drug tests

ARLINGTON, Texas – Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was walking up the driveway to his friend’s house when Dabo Swinney called last week. Lawrence had never heard his coach’s voice sound that way, he said.

Then Swinney asked Lawrence if he was taking something.

“Are you crazy?” Lawrence said he replied. “What’s wrong with you for asking me something like that?”

It was a “difficult call,” Swinney added Thursday at Cotton Bowl media day, a week after learning three of his players had tested positive for an illegal muscle-building substance called ostarine.

That was before the team received confirmation Thursday night that results of a B test sample were also positive, meaning Lawrence, offensive lineman Zach Giella and tight end Braden Galloway must sit out Saturday’s semifinal playoff game against Notre Dame.

In a new release Thursday evening, Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich said:

“This evening, Clemson Athletics received confirmation from the NCAA of suspensions for tight end Braden Galloway, offensive lineman Zach Giella and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, all three of whom will be unavailable for Saturday’s game against Notre Dame. The athletic department will have no further comment on the matter this evening as it considers all of our options, including appeals.”