Dabo Swinney sounds increasingly out of touch amid new tampering accusations

Jeff Hauser

•
Dabo Swinney sounds increasingly out of touch amid new tampering accusations image

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney publicly accused Ole Miss and coach Pete Golding of tampering with linebacker Luke Ferrelli, delivering an unusually detailed rebuke during a Friday news conference.

Swinney said Ferrelli committed to Clemson on Jan. 6 after entering the transfer portal and signed the following day, filling what the Tigers expected would be their only linebacker addition from the portal. Ferrelli re-entered the portal Jan. 22 and later committed to Ole Miss.

While explaining the timeline, Swinney alleged improper contact from Ole Miss while Ferrelli was under contract with Clemson. Swinney said Golding texted Ferrelli, asking, “I know you’re signed, but what is your buyout?” He added that the Tigers have contacted the NCAA regarding the matter.

“I am not going to let someone flat out tamper with my program,” Swinney said. “If you tamper with my players, I’m going to turn you in. There’s a lot more I can say, but I’m going to let the NCAA do its job.”

Swinney said Clemson later communicated with Ole Miss general manager Austin Thomas, at which point questions about a buyout surfaced. He alleged that Golding then contacted Ferrelli directly and sent an image of an apparent $1 million offer.

More: Michael Irvin faces backlash after CFP title game

Swinney said the offer later increased to two years and $2 million, and that Ole Miss personnel, including director of player personnel Jai Choudhary, also reached out. Swinney added that Ferrelli consistently indicated he planned to remain at Clemson.

More: Curt Cignetti slams Big 12 refs over Miami's 'dirty' play in title game

Swinney said Clemson informed ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, who contacted SEC commissioner Greg Sankey.

The episode is the latest in ongoing concerns about enforcement in the transfer portal era, as coaches and administrators continue to grapple with allegations of tampering amid NIL contracts and frequent player movement.

More college football news: 

Staff Writer