Clemson Tigers Suspends Home 3 Players Ahead of College Football Playoff

On Tuesday, Clemson University sent home three of it's football palyers for violating team rules (according to reports, they were sent home for failing drug tests). The decision comes just two days before the number 1 ranked Tigers' take on Oklahoma in College Football's Playoff semifinal. Deon Cain, a key wide receiver, is among the three along with Kicker Ammon Lakip and tight end Jay Jay McCullough. Not only will the trio miss the Capital One Orange Bowl, but they would also miss the National Championship game, if the Tigers should advance.

"You don't do the right things, there's consequences," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said, via ESPN. "It's really that simple. It's not a complicated matter at all. We've got 115 guys and 112 did what's right and three of them didn't. They forfeit the opportunity and privilege to be a part of the game. Really hate it for them. They're the ones that have to deal with the consequences because they're missing out on a great opportunity."

All three players are backups, and all three have previous suspensions. Lakip, who handled some kickoffs and extra point tries, was suspended earlier in the year for an offseason arrest for cocaine possession. McCullough was a backup to starter Jordan Leggett. And Cain began the season on the bench as a true freshman. Although, he was put into a more significant position with the injury of starter Mike Williams, going on to gain 582 yards on 34 receptions, which ranked second on the team.

And while the suspension of at least Cain looks to be a significant one, coach Swinney doesn't appear phased.

"It doesn't affect our team," Swinney said, via ESPN. " We had a great practice yesterday. This is just what I do. It's part of my job."

The undefeated Clemson Tigers will kick off against the one-loss Oklahoma Sooners at 4 p.m. EST in the first of the two semifinals.