WATCH: Swinney comments on viral photo involving Clemson WR |
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney addressed Wednesday a picture that went viral on social media over the weekend regarding Clemson rising sophomore receiver
Tee Higgins.
Higgins appeared in a picture with a local auto dealership owner that the business posted on its Facebook page, which in the caption thanked Higgins for purchasing a car and showed him alongside an estimated six-figure-priced McLaren convertible. The controversy then that played out over social media was, as per NCAA rules, student-athletes aren't allowed to accept any kind of extra benefit in favor of endorsing a product or business. A Clemson spokesman said earlier this week that the university sent a cease and desist to the dealership and the dealership subsequently took down the post. The spokesman added that Higgins did not buy a car there and his eligibility would not be impacted, as he did not endorse or know the picture would be used to promote the business. The car dealership owner clarified later in media reports and on the company Facebook page that Higgins did not purchase a car and only did a test drive with a vehicle. Swinney says the situation will be a lesson learned for Higgins. "It's the world we live in. It is what it is. I think everything is an opportunity to learn," Swinney said Wednesday. "He's one of the best kids you will have around. It just kinda comes with the territory. You learn from it. Obviously it's a lot of, what do you call it?...Clickbait. Trying to get some story. That's just the world we live in. You got to be smart and hope you can avoid those type of situations that create false perceptions. "But as long as you do what's right, you don't have to worry about it." Higgins totaled 17 catches for 345 yards with two touchdowns as a freshman last season. He earned team offensive player of the game honors versus The Citadel with six catches for 178 yards and two scores.
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