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Two days after snapping at coaches during the Clemson spring game, quarterback Chad Kelly is now no longer a member of the Tigers, Dabo Swinney has announced in a statement. The Clemson head coach said Kelly showed "a pattern of behavior that is not consistent with the values of our program."
Swinney announced Kelly's dismissal shortly after the quarterback was escorted away from school football facilities:
Multiple sources now, Chad Kelly escorted out of West End Zone by CU Police, waiting to hear if he is still on the team (thinking no)
— Marc Dopher (@MarcDopher) April 14, 2014
"I hope he will mature and grow from this and become the man and player I know he can be," Swinney also said. "I wish him nothing but the best in the future academically and athletically."
Emerging details suggest Kelly got into a post-spring game incident, which reportedly contributed to his dismissal:
Kelly was been kicked off the team at Clemson. Initial incident was Saturday night was a minor fender-bender in the parking lot.
— Roy Philpott (@RoyPhilpott) April 14, 2014
No police report was filed as a result of this incident. Kelly met with Clemson coaches today. It did not go well and he was dismissed.
— Roy Philpott (@RoyPhilpott) April 14, 2014
Kelly, who was battling for the post-Tajh Boyd starting quarterback job with Cole Stoudt and five-star freshman Deshaun Watson, was benched in the second half of Clemson's spring game. According to The Post and Courier's Aaron Brenner, Kelly spent the second half yelling at coaches.
More from our team sites
More from our team sites
(Kelly) let the coaches hear it at halftime. The coaches' response was to bench Kelly for the entire second half, which he spent fuming on the sideline - even sniping into the fourth quarter at nearby coaches.
"You're not going to have guys crossing a line with the coaches just because they're frustrated with whatever," (Coach Dabo) Swinney said. "He got frustrated and reacted the way your leader can't react. It's just that simple."
Kelly has been known for his unorthodox antics since arriving at Clemson. A former four-star recruit, he took shots at Stoudt before even arriving at Clemson. He also wrote his own rap song and is known for his odd social media presence.
After redshirting in 2012, Kelly went 10-17 with 58 yards on 55 snaps in his five 2013 appearances.
The team now has perilous quarterback depth, but there's one bright side for Clemson fans:
However, if Kelly were going to completely lose it, now is much better than on the road in Athens or Tallahassee. Further, I wonder how much the coaching staff itself applied pressure to Kelly to see how he would react. Certainly no one expected or wanted this result but a blow up in the spring is much better than one in the fall.
Update: Chad Kelly issued an apology
Received a statement from Dan Kelly (Jim Kelly's brother) on nephew Chad Kelly getting dismissed from Clemson football team. Quotes to come
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) April 16, 2014
"I have apologized to the coaching staff for my behavior," said Chad Kelly. "I am disappointed in myself." (more)
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) April 16, 2014
"I let down not only my coaches, and teammates, but also Clemson University and all of our fans." -Chad Kelly (more)
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) April 16, 2014
"Most importantly, I’ve let down myself and my family." -Chad Kelly
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) April 16, 2014
"I’m optimistic about the future. It’s not going to be easy, but no matter what happens, I’ll be a better person both on and off the field."
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) April 16, 2014