ACC Fines Clemson, Dabo Swinney for Trashing Referees After Loss to Duke

Clemson narrowly lost to Duke, 46-45, at Death Valley, with a controversial pass interference call playing a pivotal role in the game's outcome. The call on Duke's final drive enabled the Blue Devils to score a touchdown and a two-point conversion, securing the victory. Clemson's head coach, Dabo Swinney, expressed significant dissatisfaction with the officiating, labeling it "one of the worst calls" he has witnessed in his coaching career. Although Swinney acknowledged the call was not the sole reason for the loss, his postgame comments led to Clemson being fined $10,000 by the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for violating the ACC Sportsmanship Policy. The ACC stated that the matter is now closed. Clemson, now 3-5, will face Florida State in their next game.