********** WEDNESDAY UPDATE **********

[Cris_Ard]

WEDNESDAY UPDATE
By: Larry Williams

As you all know, yesterday the news broke that Clemson assistant football coach Danny Pearman used a racial slur while coaching former tight end D.J. Greenlee during a 2017 practice.

Here's what we know on this as of late this morning:

-- When Matt Connolly of The State first reported Greenlee's account of Pearman using the N-word three years ago, Clemson officials set about doing its homework to try to recreate exactly what happened.

-- Then came the statement from Pearman, released by football communications director Ross Taylor, saying Pearman repeated a racial slur initially used by D.J. Greenlee "when trying to stop the word from being used on the practice field."

Thereafter, The State posted an updated story after another conversation between Connolly and D.J. Greenlee. In this story, Greenlee gave a clarified version of events as he recalled them. In this account, Greenlee recited the following practice exchange.

Pearman thought Greenlee missed a block during a rep "and was being a coach at the time and he was just trying to figure out what was going on."

Milan Richard asked Greenlee about the exchange, according to Greenlee.

“(Milan) was asking me what happened? ‘What’s coach getting on to you about?’” Greenlee told The State. “I was just like, ‘Man I got the (n-word) that came in my gap.’ I was talking to my teammate. That was all that was said. Then the next thing you know coach Pearman starts coming over there. He was repeating what I just said. He’s like, ‘(n-word) this, (n-word) that. The (n-word) wasn’t there.’”

While Greenlee pointed out that Pearman wasn't calling him the n-word, the clarified account from Greenlee doesn't seem to match the account Pearman gave in his statement, that he was merely using the word in asking Greenlee not to use the word.

This apparent contradiction is a new layer to the story that Clemson officials are dealing with today. We are told Swinney spoke with D.J. Greenlee multiple times yesterday. D.J.'s father Larry is a longtime strength and conditioning coach with Clemson's football program.

-- One pertinent question is whether Swinney reported this incident to his superiors when it happened. We have not been able to confirm that he did.

-- It is worth noting that Swinney expressly forbids use of the n-word on Clemson's practice fields and inside the football offices.

-- The obvious question now is whether Swinney and/or athletics director Dan Radakovich will issue a statement in light of the new layer to the story and its overall place in the national sports conversation amid the tumult from the George Floyd killing.

-- As of late last night we did not get the impression that Pearman's job was in serious danger. But as we all know, circumstances can change.

One thing we do know for sure: This probably isn't going away anytime soon.

-- We will certainly keep you posted as we know more.

FROM THE TIGER FAN SHOP: Click HERE to check out all of our inventory, plus early summer DEALS on officially-licensed CLEMSON apparel!

 

[Earle36]

HALLELUJAH
GOD IS GOOD!

 

[alphamale621]

 

[TigerinLA]

So Pearman may have lied to Dabo about what happened or Greenlee is lying about what happened. Either way, this looks terrible.

 

[Toasted712]

This is way different than saying hey don't use the N-word.

 

[kingkyle1008]

Just fire Pearman apologize for not doing it 3 years ago and do our best to try to clean it up. The longer this goes on the worse it looks.

 

[nytigerfan]

WEDNESDAY UPDATE
By: Larry Williams

As you all know, yesterday the news broke that Clemson assistant football coach Danny Pearman used a racial slur while coaching former tight end D.J. Greenlee during a 2017 practice.

Here's what we know on this as of late this morning:

-- When Matt Connolly of The State first reported Greenlee's account of Pearman using the N-word three years ago, Clemson officials set about doing its homework to try to recreate exactly what happened.

-- Then came the statement from Pearman, released by football communications director Ross Taylor, saying Pearman repeated a racial slur initially used by D.J. Greenlee "when trying to stop the word from being used on the practice field."

Thereafter, The State posted an updated story after another conversation between Connolly and D.J. Greenlee. In this story, Greenlee gave a clarified version of events as he recalled them. In this account, Greenlee recited the following practice exchange.

Pearman thought Greenlee missed a block during a rep "and was being a coach at the time and he was just trying to figure out what was going on."

Milan Richard asked Greenlee about the exchange, according to Greenlee.

“(Milan) was asking me what happened? ‘What’s coach getting on to you about?’” Greenlee told The State. “I was just like, ‘Man I got the (n-word) that came in my gap.’ I was talking to my teammate. That was all that was said. Then the next thing you know coach Pearman starts coming over there. He was repeating what I just said. He’s like, ‘(n-word) this, (n-word) that. The (n-word) wasn’t there.’”

While Greenlee pointed out that Pearman wasn't calling him the n-word, the clarified account from Greenlee doesn't seem to match the account Pearman gave in his statement, that he was merely using the word in asking Greenlee not to use the word.

This apparent contradiction is a new layer to the story that Clemson officials are dealing with today. We are told Swinney spoke with D.J. Greenlee multiple times yesterday. D.J.'s father Larry is a longtime strength and conditioning coach with Clemson's football program.

-- One pertinent question is whether Swinney reported this incident to his superiors when it happened. We have not been able to confirm that he did.

-- It is worth noting that Swinney expressly forbids use of the n-word on Clemson's practice fields and inside the football offices.

-- The obvious question now is whether Swinney and/or athletics director Dan Radakovich will issue a statement in light of the new layer to the story and its overall place in the national sports conversation amid the tumult from the George Floyd killing.

-- As of late last night we did not get the impression that Pearman's job was in serious danger. But as we all know, circumstances can change.

One thing we do know for sure: This probably isn't going away anytime soon.

-- We will certainly keep you posted as we know more.

FROM THE TIGER FAN SHOP: Click HERE to check out all of our inventory, plus early summer DEALS on officially-licensed CLEMSON apparel!

Thanks Larry, that is something that I don't see being reported... that DJs dad was and is also a coach on the program. Will he make a statement?

 

[jwragley]

There is a simple play here.

1. Announce Pearman resignation.
2. Acknowledge the way it was handled was not right. In plain English: apology. It's never too late to apologize.
3. Affirm stance on values and culture of tolerance of all players (which I believe is already the case).

Then the program and fan base can move forward. Go Tigers.

 

[OrangeRegalia]

Pear man should be gone for what he said. It should have happened 3 years ago. Add on to the fact that the but out a statement that contradicts other people and potentially lied to his superiors, I don’t see how is job isnt in jeopardy at all.

 

[DClemsonTiger]

There is a simple play here.

1. Announce Pearman resignation.
2. Acknowledge the way it was handled was not right. In plain English: apology. It's never too late to apologize.
3. Affirm stance on values and culture of tolerance of all players (which I believe is already the case).

Then the program and fan base can move forward. Go Tigers.

the obvious answer!

 

[Earle36]

There is a simple play here.

1. Announce Pearman resignation.
2. Acknowledge the way it was handled was not right. In plain English: apology. It's never too late to apologize.
3. Affirm stance on values and culture of tolerance of all players (which I believe is already the case).

Then the program and fan base can move forward. Go Tigers.

I could see that happening

 

[RoyalBengal25]

This shvt is so messy. Smh.

 

[TylerHumpFrow13]

Pearman has got to go.

Dabo can maintain a friendship with a friend that he has fired.

He can not maintain the trust of an entire race of people for showing tolerance to racist actions inside the football program, even if it was a mistake.

 

[GoodWord28]

Please let this go away soon!

 

[Tigerpaw00]

It seems that Dabo is trying to confirm whether DJ’s new account of the interaction is the accurate one. Only Dabo and DJ know what his account was in that meeting 3 years ago. If it differs Dabo has a real pickle because he acted based on what he was told then. DJ’s current recollection is creating the impression of Pearman possibly lying to Dabo. If that is true, Pearman should lose his job.

 

[SDTiger9]

 

[Maverick369]

If you cut him loose now it begs the question why didn't you do it in 2016? Then Dabo get raked over the coals for a "cover up". There's no way this comes to a good conclusion now unless someone else who was there can corroborate Pearman's side, which doesn't appear that it's going to happen. Hell where's Greenlee Sr in all of this? He's right there on staff and might be able to at least dampen the fires a little.

 

[Loudmouth99]

WEDNESDAY UPDATE
By: Larry Williams


This apparent contradiction is a new layer to the story that Clemson officials are dealing with today.

I disagree with this - I have not seen any contradiction. DJ himself was the one who said that it was used to get him to stop saying it. I think people imagined when they read that that it was "Don't say the n-word" or something to that effect. Now we know that Pearman was repeating what he said and it wasn't as benign as previously imagined but the point of what Pearman was saying still appears to have been to get him to stop saying it.

I fail to see the evidence of how the further details added by DJ contradict Pearman's statement or DJ's initial characterization of the conversation.

 

[Capt. Backstrap]

I don't believe the part about Dabo not allowing the "N word" to be used in the facility ONE BIT. It's in at least 2/3 of the rap songs in existence, for example.

 

[Howard's Jock]

I disagree with this - I have not seen any contradiction. DJ himself was the one who said that it was used to get him to stop saying it. I think people imagined when they read that that it was "Don't say the n-word" or something to that effect. Now we know that Pearman was repeating what he said and it wasn't as benign as previously imagined but the point of what Pearman was saying still appears to have been to get him to stop saying it.

I fail to see the evidence of how the further details added by DJ contradict Pearman's statement or DJ's initial characterization of the conversation.

this exactly.

 

[saber8689]

Pearmans gotta go. I know none of us want to admit it, but this has the potential to end Dabo's career at Clemson if not handled appropriately.

 

[vatiger1]

Clemson should cut ties with Pearman and all Greenlee's if folks cant recall what conversations transpired.

Dad should have karate chopped his Son btw for using it also.

 

[Paws14]

Pearman is a doosh but this is such an unhealthy way to conduct our nation

 

[tigers_and_valves]

I disagree with this - I have not seen any contradiction. DJ himself was the one who said that it was used to get him to stop saying it. I think people imagined when they read that that it was "Don't say the n-word" or something to that effect. Now we know that Pearman was repeating what he said and it wasn't as benign as previously imagined but the point of what Pearman was saying still appears to have been to get him to stop saying it.

I fail to see the evidence of how the further details added by DJ contradict Pearman's statement or DJ's initial characterization of the conversation.

Yup, pretty much my take. He certainly should have not said it, but he was pissed he missed the block and at Greenlee using the word at practice.

 

[clemsonu0219]

Oh boy. We’ve got a problem here folks. Question is, how do we resolve it in the (morally) right manner.

 

[Howard's Jock]

Pearmans gotta go. I know none of us want to admit it, but this has the potential to end Dabo's career at Clemson if not handled appropriately.

No way. Let’s all breathe.


I take that back. Dabo may leave and decided he’s had enough of our society. I’m right behind him, only I can’t afford to dip out.

 

[kingkyle1008]

Pearman has got to go.

Dabo can maintain a friendship with a friend that he has fired.

He can not maintain the trust of an entire race of people for showing tolerance to racist actions inside the football program, even if it was a mistake.

Very true I had to fire 4 people last week that I really liked and cared about. They all four reached out to me and apologized and understood what they did was wrong and I have no issues with any of them and will maintain relationships with them.
We aren’t saying Dabo and Pearman can’t be friends anymore, but he does need to be fired from this staff and University.

 

[TMcGrady1]

Oh the irony that Greenlee and Tuttle were personal favor takes.

 

[deshaunwatson4]

Dabo is absolutely going to have to come out and address this. Today, hopefully

 

[jeffcoat]

Pearman has got to go.

Dabo can maintain a friendship with a friend that he has fired.

He can not maintain the trust of an entire race of people for showing tolerance to racist actions inside the football program, even if it was a mistake.

Very well said. I hate that someone would have to lose their job when he wasn't verbally attacking a player, but it is what it is. A bad mistake. Pearman should have enough in his bank account to retire. He's gotta be in his 60s anyways.

Now go out and get another ace recruiter.

 

[hj_gville]

At this point, DRad and Clements need to be in front of the microphones. If I’m their crisis management guy, I have Dabo and Pearman there, give Larry Greenlee the option of being there. If he accepts, I ask the entire coaching staff and strength coaches to be there.

I would have DRad start the presser, say a few words and then turn it over to Pearman. Then have Pearman reiterate what he said yesterday and add “Because of the deep amount of love and devotion I feel for my players, current and former, my love for Coach Swinney and our entire football staff and my love for this University, I am stepping aside so that I am no longer a distraction and everyone’s attention can turn to healing our collective societal wounds.”

Then I’d have Clements close the conference by saying that he specifically asked Dabo NOT to speak today because the heart of this matter isn’t Dabo’s celebrity, and that while Dabo will be available to speak at a later date, today is about setting a clear and singular expectation regarding race...and as President of Clemson University, that is his job, not the head football coach.

 

[dbjork6317]

WEDNESDAY UPDATE
By: Larry Williams

As you all know, yesterday the news broke that Clemson assistant football coach Danny Pearman used a racial slur while coaching former tight end D.J. Greenlee during a 2017 practice.

Here's what we know on this as of late this morning:

-- When Matt Connolly of The State first reported Greenlee's account of Pearman using the N-word three years ago, Clemson officials set about doing its homework to try to recreate exactly what happened.

-- Then came the statement from Pearman, released by football communications director Ross Taylor, saying Pearman repeated a racial slur initially used by D.J. Greenlee "when trying to stop the word from being used on the practice field."

Thereafter, The State posted an updated story after another conversation between Connolly and D.J. Greenlee. In this story, Greenlee gave a clarified version of events as he recalled them. In this account, Greenlee recited the following practice exchange.

Pearman thought Greenlee missed a block during a rep "and was being a coach at the time and he was just trying to figure out what was going on."

Milan Richard asked Greenlee about the exchange, according to Greenlee.

“(Milan) was asking me what happened? ‘What’s coach getting on to you about?’” Greenlee told The State. “I was just like, ‘Man I got the (n-word) that came in my gap.’ I was talking to my teammate. That was all that was said. Then the next thing you know coach Pearman starts coming over there. He was repeating what I just said. He’s like, ‘(n-word) this, (n-word) that. The (n-word) wasn’t there.’”

While Greenlee pointed out that Pearman wasn't calling him the n-word, the clarified account from Greenlee doesn't seem to match the account Pearman gave in his statement, that he was merely using the word in asking Greenlee not to use the word.

This apparent contradiction is a new layer to the story that Clemson officials are dealing with today. We are told Swinney spoke with D.J. Greenlee multiple times yesterday. D.J.'s father Larry is a longtime strength and conditioning coach with Clemson's football program.

-- One pertinent question is whether Swinney reported this incident to his superiors when it happened. We have not been able to confirm that he did.

-- It is worth noting that Swinney expressly forbids use of the n-word on Clemson's practice fields and inside the football offices.

-- The obvious question now is whether Swinney and/or athletics director Dan Radakovich will issue a statement in light of the new layer to the story and its overall place in the national sports conversation amid the tumult from the George Floyd killing.

-- As of late last night we did not get the impression that Pearman's job was in serious danger. But as we all know, circumstances can change.

One thing we do know for sure: This probably isn't going away anytime soon.

-- We will certainly keep you posted as we know more.

FROM THE TIGER FAN SHOP: Click HERE to check out all of our inventory, plus early summer DEALS on officially-licensed CLEMSON apparel!

@Larry_Williams i know you generally don’t like to speculate on such serious matters, but do you foresee a possible circumstance where the university tells Dabo to fire Pearman and Dabo refuses?

 

[tigerfan700]

WEDNESDAY UPDATE
By: Larry Williams

As you all know, yesterday the news broke that Clemson assistant football coach Danny Pearman used a racial slur while coaching former tight end D.J. Greenlee during a 2017 practice.

Here's what we know on this as of late this morning:

-- When Matt Connolly of The State first reported Greenlee's account of Pearman using the N-word three years ago, Clemson officials set about doing its homework to try to recreate exactly what happened.

-- Then came the statement from Pearman, released by football communications director Ross Taylor, saying Pearman repeated a racial slur initially used by D.J. Greenlee "when trying to stop the word from being used on the practice field."

Thereafter, The State posted an updated story after another conversation between Connolly and D.J. Greenlee. In this story, Greenlee gave a clarified version of events as he recalled them. In this account, Greenlee recited the following practice exchange.

Pearman thought Greenlee missed a block during a rep "and was being a coach at the time and he was just trying to figure out what was going on."

Milan Richard asked Greenlee about the exchange, according to Greenlee.

“(Milan) was asking me what happened? ‘What’s coach getting on to you about?’” Greenlee told The State. “I was just like, ‘Man I got the (n-word) that came in my gap.’ I was talking to my teammate. That was all that was said. Then the next thing you know coach Pearman starts coming over there. He was repeating what I just said. He’s like, ‘(n-word) this, (n-word) that. The (n-word) wasn’t there.’”

While Greenlee pointed out that Pearman wasn't calling him the n-word, the clarified account from Greenlee doesn't seem to match the account Pearman gave in his statement, that he was merely using the word in asking Greenlee not to use the word.

This apparent contradiction is a new layer to the story that Clemson officials are dealing with today. We are told Swinney spoke with D.J. Greenlee multiple times yesterday. D.J.'s father Larry is a longtime strength and conditioning coach with Clemson's football program.

-- One pertinent question is whether Swinney reported this incident to his superiors when it happened. We have not been able to confirm that he did.

-- It is worth noting that Swinney expressly forbids use of the n-word on Clemson's practice fields and inside the football offices.

-- The obvious question now is whether Swinney and/or athletics director Dan Radakovich will issue a statement in light of the new layer to the story and its overall place in the national sports conversation amid the tumult from the George Floyd killing.

-- As of late last night we did not get the impression that Pearman's job was in serious danger. But as we all know, circumstances can change.

One thing we do know for sure: This probably isn't going away anytime soon.

-- We will certainly keep you posted as we know more.

FROM THE TIGER FAN SHOP: Click HERE to check out all of our inventory, plus early summer DEALS on officially-licensed CLEMSON apparel!

So Steve Smith was fired and Pearman’s job not in serious jeopardy. Sad. No one can defend this statement “The (n-word) wasn’t there.’”

 

[The Whale]

Again DISAGREE with Larry’s interpretation-
DP’s statement is consistent Greenlee’s quotes....please read below

Greenlee: Tigers’ Pearman used the n-word


By Eric Sprott

The Journal

CLEMSON — It’s been years since he made peace with the incident, but much to his surprise, former Clemson tight end D.J. Greenlee had to relive it all over again Tuesday.


Former Clemson tight end D.J. Greenlee, seen above against Florida State in 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, told The Journal on Tuesday that Clemson tight ends coach Danny Pearman used the n-word during a practice. (File)
After another former member of the Clemson football team took to Twitter alleging a member of head coach Dabo Swinney’s staff had used the n-word during practice, Greenlee confirmed to The Journal on Tuesday evening that tight ends coach Danny Pearman used the slur during a practice several years ago.

That revelation came after Swinney commented publicly Monday on the nation’s deep racial divide following the Memorial Day death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed while being detained by a white police officer in Minneapolis.

“It happened, and multiple people know it happened,” said Greenlee, who played for the Tigers from 2013-17. “We can’t sit here and hide it, because they know it happened.

“It is what it is.”

Shortly after Greenlee spoke with The Journal, Clemson released a statement from Pearman, who confirmed the incident happened and apologized for his actions.

“I repeated a racial slur I overheard when trying to stop the word from being used on the practice field,” the statement read. “What I overheard, I had no right to repeat. While I did not direct the term at any player, I know there is no excuse for me using the language in any circumstance. I never should have repeated the phrase. It was wrong when I said it, and it is wrong today.

“I love the young men who choose to come to our university, and I would never do anything to intentionally hurt them. I sincerely apologize to D.J., his family, our team and our staff.”

The impetus for the news Tuesday was a tweet from Kanyon Tuttle, the son of legendary Clemson wide receiver Perry Tuttle. The younger Tuttle, a walk-on with the Tigers in 2016 and 2017, responded critically to a tweet from the Clemson football program, which contained audio from Swinney’s remarks from Monday.

“Cap, you allowed a coach to call a player the N-word during practice with no repercussions,” Tuttle wrote. “Not even a team apology. When we had the sit-in in front of (Sikes Hall), you suggested us players try to stay out of it to limit distractions. Stop protecting your brand, take a stand.”


Clemson tight ends coach Danny Pearman speaks to a player during a 2014 practice. (File)
To clarify, Greenlee said Pearman did not call him the n-word, though the former Daniel High School standout did confirm the issue was not addressed with the team despite a number of witnesses who saw the incident.

Greenlee said he was taking part in a routine inside drill and was supposed to block a player coming through a gap, which he successfully did. However, he said Pearman didn’t see what happened, leading to a testy exchange.

“He started to question me, and me and him had our own conversation, and then I left him and went over and started talking to my teammates,” Greenlee said. “As I was talking to my teammates, they asked what he was getting on me about, and I was like, ‘Man, I got that (n-word) that came in the gap,’ and I left it at that.

“Not even a second after I turned around, coach Pearman was walking over to us, and he was like, ‘the (n-word) this, the (n-word) that, the (n-word) wasn’t there. I was just like, ‘whoa … what did you just say?’ He realized what he said, and he just went straight to trying to say he was showing me what it sounded like when I was using that word. He was basically trying to tell me I shouldn’t use that word, but he’s using that word, and that’s not making anything better.”

Greenlee said he spoke after practice with Clemson football administrators Woody McCorvey and Jeff Davis, who told him to go speak with Swinney. Greenlee said Swinney had a private conversation with Pearman about the incident, but the situation was never addressed to the team.

“The first thing (Swinney) said was we shouldn’t be using that type of language in the first place, which is true, but at the same time, I was talking to one of my teammates — one of my African-American brothers,” Greenlee said. “That’s just how we talk. There was nothing meant by that, and nobody was talking to coach Pearman at this point.

“It was me and my teammates talking, and he felt the need to come over and tell me how to talk.”

From then on, Greenlee said Pearman was profusely apologetic — all while he was trying to move on from it.

“It was hard to accept the apology, and he was apologizing every day,” Greenlee said. “I didn’t really want to talk to him, and we didn’t really see eye to eye. I told him I appreciate what we have, but I’m cool. It’s really been nothing since then — that was three years ago. I let it go, and now it’s back.

“I don’t want to blame Kanyon for this at all, because this is something they witnessed. It’s been crazy, because I’m not a person who’s going to sit here and hold grudges on anybody. I wish the best for everybody, and I want to see the world come together instead of what’s going on now.”

Pearman, a three-year Clemson letterman at tight end under Danny Ford from 1985-87, was hired to Swinney’s inaugural staff in December 2008. In addition to coaching tight ends, he’s listed as an assistant head coach and the Tigers’ special teams coordinator.

 

[UpstateTiger07]

I don't believe the part about Dabo not allowing the "N word" to be used in the facility ONE BIT. It's in at least 2/3 of the rap songs in existence, for example.

He 100 percent does not allow that word at practice. Tommy Bowden didn’t either. I’ve been to multiple Clemson practices where players have been warned for there foul language(including the N word). I recall a specific incident where Brad Scott undressed a D-Lineman during a transition period between drills for that players language. It’s absolutely not tolerated.

 

[castlesl]

I disagree with this - I have not seen any contradiction. DJ himself was the one who said that it was used to get him to stop saying it. I think people imagined when they read that that it was "Don't say the n-word" or something to that effect. Now we know that Pearman was repeating what he said and it wasn't as benign as previously imagined but the point of what Pearman was saying still appears to have been to get him to stop saying it.

I fail to see the evidence of how the further details added by DJ contradict Pearman's statement or DJ's initial characterization of the conversation.

The additional detail by DJ gives rise to the casual observer that it was not used for a succinct correction. I think you can make the case it was still a correction but so much tone and context is needed to do that, it just becomes even more messy than it already was.

 

[Allenjg25]

I don't believe the part about Dabo not allowing the "N word" to be used in the facility ONE BIT. It's in at least 2/3 of the rap songs in existence, for example.

well your 100% wrong

 

[tigers79]

Who stirred this pot...Kanyon Tuttle???? Was he even part of the episode or is his account 2nd hand?

 

[PAWrocka]

 

[Dbatz]

Clemson should cut ties with Pearman and all Greenlee's if folks cant recall what conversations transpired.

Dad should have karate chopped his Son btw for using it also.

This is a hot take I can live with. If it’s a he said / he said, all involved should go. Do we want a man on staff who raised a son who uses such language to describe another human being?