Sports

Dabo Swinney Will Punish Former Clemson Basketball Star For Making Him Look Foolish

#clemson tigers
by
Dabo Swinney / Ian Schieffelin

© Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images


Clemson tight end Ian Schieffelin was arrested on suspicion of DUI over the weekend, just weeks away from the football team’s opener against LSU. Head coach Dabo Swinney says punishment will be handed down as a result.

Schieffelin will miss time in his first season with the Tigers. He made his coach look extremely foolish after giving him an opportunity.

Schieffelin has been at the school for four years, but as a member of the basketball program. After helping the team make a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, he’s given football a go.

The 6-7 forward was a fan favorite on the hardwood due to his tenacity and style of play. He was also a key contributor in his final season, averaging 12.4 points a game.

Who is Ian Schieffelin?

The veteran hooper was a mainstay in the basketball lineup, making 92 starts across his final three seasons. He averaged double figure scoring totals as both a junior and senior, leading the Tigers to an Elite Eight appearance in 2023-24.

It appeared his time at the school was ending after an NCAA Tournament loss last spring. That changed when he teased the idea of a move to the football field in the summer.

With limited NBA options, Schieffelin applied for an NCAA waiver to switch sports. He remains in his five-year amateur window, making the move a legitimate possibility.

NCAA rule states that when a player uses up eligibility in one sport, they are free to pursue other sports as long as they still have remaining eligibility within their five-year window.

Dabo Swinney went to bat for Schieffelin. He believed the tight end could provide the offense with a mismatch in the passing game.

“That’s my guy right there,” he said in an interview with local media. “When he gets done with basketball, I’m going to get him out here. He’s a football player over there playing basketball. I love that guy.”

That plan has since fallen into place. Schieffelin has been practicing with the football squad ahead of the 2025 campaign. An off-the-field run-in, however, will likely put his debut on hold.

Dabo Swinney confirmed that punishment will be handed down.

Clemson police released a statement on Ian Schieffelin’s arrest. He was stopped following a traffic violation and booked on suspicion of DUI.

Following a traffic violation on Tiger Boulevard, the Clemson Police Department made the arrest of Clemson University football player Ian Schieffelin for DUI at 1:47 AM last night. He was released on bond at 9:10 AM this morning. The investigation is still ongoing.

Coach Swinney provided an update on the situation after the fact. He is aware of the arrest and will deal with it as he sees fit.

“Clemson athletics has a clear policy by which we will abide, so Ian will miss some competition to start the season as a consequence,” Swinney said in a statement.

“We’re obviously disappointed by the situation, but we are very thankful no others were involved, and no one was hurt.”

The coach didn’t go into detail on the punishment, but it appears a suspension is incoming. The length of his absence from the field has yet to be determined.

Schieffelin was not expected to be the starting tight end. Still, Dabo Swinney believed in him enough to extend the opportunity.

Unfortunately, the pass catcher made his new coach look foolish in a couple months’ time. Schieffelin will do his best to get back in Swinney’s good graces moving forward.