CLEMSON — Prior to, during and after last Saturday’s win over Stanford, Clemson University was criticized for playing the game, after Hurricane Helene ripped through the Upstate and other parts of South Carolina late Thursday and early Friday morning.
During his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney was asked if he has heard any of the criticism and if he wanted to respond to it.
“I trust our leadership here,” Swinney said. “Honestly, it is one of those decisions, as a leader, that you make that is going to receive criticism either way. So, at the end of the day, it is one of those things where you cannot please everybody.
“Whatever decision you make, you are probably going to get asked the same question. I think, as a leader, you have to do what is best. I do not make those decisions, I just get the team ready to play. We have great leadership in Jim Clements an Graham Neff.”
On Saturday, Clemson University released the following statement about the decision to host the Stanford game after Helene moved through the state.
“The decision to host Saturday’s game came after a detailed evaluation of the impacts of the storm, with a primary focus on the ability to safely host our opponents and fans on campus.
“City of Clemson and Clemson University officials, as well as first responders across the State have worked tirelessly in their recovery efforts thus far. We look forward to aiding in the community efforts for recovery.”
Clemson aided the community by opening Littlejohn Coliseum and the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex on Sunday and Monday for community members and city residents in need of respite following the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene
The Hendrix Student Center was also opened on Sunday for community access to find a cool space, recharge electronics and have access to public WiFi. Littlejohn Coliseum also had power stations, access to WiFi, limited food and drinks at select concession stands, and limited showers available for members of the community.
The Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex also had four showers available for family.