Dabo Swinney responds to criticisms over playing game against Stanford

Clemson University has caught a lot of flack after its 40-14 win over Stanford Saturday night. Millions of people across the southeastern United States have suffered through a catastrophic natural disaster, with Hurricane Helene making landfall on September 27 and quickly moving north through southern Appalachia.

Many believed that the game put an unnecessary strain on the already scarce resources used to help South Carolinians in need. Head Coach Dabo Swinney was asked during his weekly press conference about the decision to move forward with the game. He responded by backing his leadership, emphasizing that his job is to prepare the team and let the higher-ups make those decisions. “I trust our leadership here,” Swinney said. We have great leadership in Jim Clements and Graham Neff."

“Honestly, it is one of those decisions, as a leader, that you make that is going to receive criticism either way," said Swinney. "So, at the end of the day, it is one of those things where you cannot please everybody.

“Whatever decision you make, you are probably going to get asked the same question. I think, as a leader, you have to do what is best. I do not make those decisions, I just get the team ready to play."

Sammy Brown also touched on the subject, stating after the game, "I’m just really happy we could put a smile on a lot of people’s faces." Brown hits the nail on the head as to why playing the game was important. In times of chaos and uncertainty, a little joy and normality go a long way in keeping morale up.