ACC fines Clemson’s Dabo Swinney $10,000 for criticism of late PI call in loss to Duke

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney received a $10,000 fine and a public reprimand from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) following critical remarks he made about officiating after Clemson's 46-45 loss to Duke. The penalty was issued due to Swinney’s violation of the ACC Sportsmanship Policy, which prohibits public criticism of officiating.

The controversy arose from a late pass interference call against Clemson's Avieon Terrell during Duke's final drive. This call extended the drive, allowing Duke’s Nate Sheppard to score a 3-yard touchdown and Darian Mensah to complete a 2-point conversion pass to Sahmir Hagans, securing Duke's victory. The win ended Duke's 15-game losing streak at Clemson's home field, known as Death Valley.

Clemson's defeat marked their fifth loss of the season, threatening their chances of qualifying for a bowl game for the first time since 2004. The Tigers began the season highly