Clemson Players to Sit Title Game Amid Failed Drug Tests

Clemson will be without All-American DT Dexter Lawrence, as well as Braden Galloway and Zach Giella, when the Tigers play the Alabama Crimson Tide for the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday.

The three players sat out of Clemson’s College Football Playoff semifinal victory over Notre Dame last week after drug tests turned up positive for ostarine.

According to NBC Sports, ostarine is a banned substance used to help increase muscle mass and strength. A U.S. Anti-Doping Agency substance profile describes ostarine as appearing in some products — but that those products are illegal.

In a statement, Clemson AD Dan Radakovich confirmed that the players’ suspensions would continue through the title game. Radakovich’s statement reads:

“Clemson will not have tight end Braden Galloway, offensive lineman Zach Giella and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence available for Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship against Alabama. However, Clemson has been informed by the NCAA that the three student-athletes will be permitted to travel to Santa Clara, Calif., with the team later this week.

“As requested by these student-athletes, Clemson filed notices of appeal with the NCAA. We will continue to work with the three impacted student-athletes and their legal representatives over the coming weeks to prepare the appeals. Neither Clemson, Galloway, Giella nor Lawrence anticipate having further comment on this matter until after the appeals have concluded.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney told Sports Illustrated that the suspended players thought the initial tests that turned up the positive result were a joke, and that none intentionally consumed ostarine.