The Atlantic Coast Conference fined Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney $10,000 and issued a public reprimand for his postgame comments criticizing officiating following Saturday 46-45 loss to Duke.
Swinney was upset with the officials over a pass interference call against cornerback Avieon Terrell on fourth and 10 play. The call extended Duke’s game-winning touchdown drive in the final minute.
The Blue Devils trailed 42-35 when quarterback Darian Mensah’s pass to Que’Sean Brown drew the flag against Terrell. It gave Duke a goal-to-go situation with Nate Sheppard's 3-yard touchdown run sealing the victory one play later.
Clemson fined $10,000 by the ACC for comments made by Dabo Swinney about referee’s PI call
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) November 2, 2025
“Public criticism of officials or public comments evaluating the officiating of particular contests is not in the best interest of intercollegiate athletics.” Pic.twitter.com/6hqior5KKm
“Some critical penalties,” Swinney said after the game. “I don’t even know what to say about the last call. Y’all saw it. It shouldn’t come down to that. … That’s one of the worst calls I’ve ever seen in a game, ever, in my entire coaching career."
Swinney's worst season at Clemson continues, dropping to 3-5 with the loss.
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