Clemson suspends key wide receiver, 2 others 2 days before College Football Playoff

Three Clemson Tigers, including starting wide receiver Deon Cain, have been sent home from the Orange Bowl because of a failed drug test, according to Aaron Brenner of The (Charleston) Post and Courier:

Can confirm @PriceAtkinson report: Clemson WR Deon Cain, TE Jay Jay McCullough & K Ammon Lakip sent home from Orange Bowl. Failed drug test.

— Aaron Brenner (@Aaron_Brenner) December 30, 2015

All three players will not play in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Oklahoma on Dec. 31.

Freshman wideout Deon Cain has arguably been the Tigers' best receiver, catching 34 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns in his first season. A Tampa native, Cain has now missed two games in his home state this season. He was left on the bench during Clemson's game against Miami for what coach Dabo Swinney called an "attitude adjustment." Just before his Orange Bowl suspension was announced, Cain talked to reporters about what he learned from missing the Miami game.

Eleven hours ago, Deon Cain told our @PaulStrelowTI: "Me sitting out against Miami was a teachable moment because it was humbling."

— Larry Williams (@LarryWilliamsTI) December 30, 2015

Ammon Lakip was Clemson's starting kicker in 2014, but lost his job to Greg Huegel after an offseason arrest for cocaine possession and DUI. He has kicked one field goal and seven extra points this season.

Jay Jay McCullough, a junior tight end, has not caught a pass this season. He has 11 career catches for 113 yards.