Swinney Comments on Story's Discipline

CHARLOTTE — Last Sunday, Clemson defensive end Caden Story was cited for possession of Marijuana, according to Pickens County Court of Public Records.

During Thursday’s ACC Football Kickoff, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney addressed Story’s incident and what kind of discipline might be handed down to the redshirt sophomore.

“The way it was written is like he was handcuffed and taken to jail. That’s not accurate,” Swinney said. “He was issued a ticket, a citation. So, he’ll be held accountable for that and he’ll handle that and the process, gotta go to court for that like the ticket says. But he’s a great kid. He’s never been in trouble. Never had an issue with Caden. We’ll handle it within our team framework.”

Story was charged with possession of 28 grams (one ounce) or less of marijuana. His charges are classified as misdemeanor. The charges were filed on Tuesday.

This was Story’s first offense.

According to Clemson’s student-athlete handbook, a player who is arrested and/or charged with a drug-related crime will be subject to drug testing under the Clemson University Athletic Department Use/Misuse Program. For all misdemeanor charges/convictions, the coach will recommend, within seven days, a course of action, and upon approval by the designated Clemson University Athletic Director/Administrator, give out sanctions.

A former four-star prospect from Lanett (Ala.) High, Story enters the 2024 season credited with two tackles in 63 defensive snaps over 11 career games. He played four defensive snaps in his lone appearance of his redshirt season in 2022 before recording two tackles over 10 games last season.

The 6-foot-3, 280-pounder is the third Clemson football player charged with a criminal offense this year. On Feb. 6, defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on university property, and on Feb. 19, wide receiver Noble Johnson was charged with reckless driving that resulted in a car accident.

Capehart’s weapon charge was dismissed, while Johnson’s case is still active.