Less than two weeks before its highly anticipated season opener, the Clemson football program is dealing with a significant off-field issue. Tight end Ian Schieffelin, a former star player for the Tigers' basketball team, was arrested early Sunday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence and will be suspended to start the 2025 season--first reported by David Hood of Tigernet.
Head coach Dabo Swinney confirmed the news in a statement released Sunday.
"We are aware of Ian Schieffelin's arrest on suspicion of DUI," Swinney said. "Clemson Athletics has a clear policy by which we will abide, so Ian will miss some competition to start this season as a consequence. We're obviously very disappointed by the situation, but we are very thankful no others were involved and no one was hurt."
Schieffelin, who played four seasons for the Clemson basketball team and made 99 career starts, officially joined the football program as a tight end in May.
According to the police report from the Clemson Police Department, an officer on patrol along Tiger Blvd. at approximately 1:37 a.m. Sunday observed a vehicle "rapidly approaching" from the rear and swerving on the double yellow line. After initiating a traffic stop, the driver was identified as Schieffelin, who was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence.
The suspension impacts the depth at the tight end position for the No. 4-ranked Tigers as they prepare for their massive season opener against No. 9 LSU on August 30.