ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney says star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and two other players failed NCAA tests for performance enhancing drugs and might not play in the Cotton Bowl against No. 3 Notre Dame.
Swinney said at a news conference Monday at AT&T Stadium that the NCAA informed Clemson trace amounts of ostarine were found in samples given by Lawrence, reserve offensive tackle Zach Giella and freshman tight end Braden Galloway. Ostarine, also known as enobosarm, is used to treat osteoporosis, but can also act like an anabolic steroid.
RELATED: Clemson's "Fridge Package" is Definitely Hall of Fame Worthy
"I think it's important, very important that the message is accurate and that the truth is told because these are three great young men that I believe in and that I know, without a doubt, have not intentionally done anything to jeopardize their opportunity or this team." — Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney
Swinney said the players told him they had not intentionally taken the substance. Clemson is awaiting results of a second sample from each player. The NCAA ban for failing a PED test is one calendar year.