At the 2024 ACC Kickoff event held in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 25, Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney addressed the media for the first time regarding the recent arrest of a Clemson defensive lineman. This public comment came four days after Caden Story, a Clemson defensive end, was apprehended on a misdemeanor charge related to the possession of marijuana or hashish.
Swinney clarified the circumstances surrounding Story’s June 21 arrest. According to Swinney, the media portrayal of the incident was misleading. He explained that Story was not taken into custody but was instead issued a citation. “The way it was portrayed, it sounded like he was handcuffed and taken to jail, but that’s not what happened,” Swinney said during his press conference at the Hilton Uptown Charlotte. He elaborated that Story will be held accountable through the judicial process, which involves addressing the citation in court as prescribed.
The formal legal proceedings for Story began earlier this week when the case was officially filed in court. Online court records indicate that Story’s case is categorized as a criminal offense and is marked as a “first offense.” Story currently faces $615 in fines and court costs related to his arrest. Under South Carolina law, possession of 28 grams or less of marijuana or 10 grams or less of hashish can result in a fine between $100 and $200 or imprisonment for up to 30 days.
Clemson’s student-athlete handbook stipulates that Story’s arrest does not automatically result in suspension from athletic activities. This is because the charge does not fall into categories warranting immediate suspension, such as felony offenses, gambling-related crimes, illegal possession of weapons, or sexual misconduct. However, Story will undergo drug testing as part of Clemson’s athletic department’s drug use policies and will face internal disciplinary actions if deemed necessary.
According to court records, Story’s initial court appearance is scheduled for September 24 in Central, South Carolina’s municipal court. Swinney expressed support for Story, describing him as “a great kid” who has no previous disciplinary issues. Swinney emphasized that the situation would be managed within the team’s framework and that Story’s past conduct has been exemplary.
Story, a 20-year-old redshirt sophomore, is entering his third season with the Tigers. He is anticipated to serve as a backup on the defensive line during the 2024 season. His arrest is the third known instance of a Clemson football player facing criminal charges this year. Earlier in February, defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart was arrested on felony weapon and traffic charges, while wide receiver Noble Johnson faced a misdemeanor reckless driving charge. Capehart’s charges were dropped later that month, and his case triggered an automatic suspension according to Clemson’s guidelines. Johnson’s case remains ongoing and did not result in an automatic suspension.
In summary, Coach Swinney addressed the situation surrounding Caden Story with transparency, emphasizing that while Story’s arrest is a serious matter, it will be handled within the established team and legal frameworks. The incident adds to a series of legal issues for Clemson football players this year, but Swinney’s response highlights a commitment to addressing such matters while supporting his players through the process.
