Mike Norvell takes shot at Dabo Swinney over accusation Florida State dodged Clemson
Mike Norvell is pushing back against Dabo Swinney’s allegations that Florida State used COVID as an excuse not to play Clemson.
Florida State football coach Mike Norvell is getting a baptism by fire in his first taste of the rivalry with the Clemson Tigers. After their game was canceled on Saturday after a Clemson player showed COVID symptoms earlier in the week and the two were unable to agree to terms on a make-up date, Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney accused Florida State of using COVID as an excuse to avoid playing the No. 4 Tigers.
It was a strong accusation by Swinney who also said FSU should pay for Clemson’s travel expenses to Tallahassee.
Dabo Swinney is really upset: "This game was not canceled because of COVID. COVID was just an excuse to cancel the game." Says FSU administration forfeited the game. If FSU wants to play Clemson, they can home to Death Valley, he says. Or they can pay for Clemson's travel.
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) November 22, 2020
Norvell bristled at the accusations on Monday saying Florida State absolutely wanted to play and he’ll leave the medical decisions to the doctors, not football coaches.
“Football coaches are not doctors,” Norvell said Monday. “Some of us might think we are, but there’s a reason why medical advisers make decisions based on the information that is provided,” Norvell said Monday. “It’s unfortunate that opportunity has been delayed, but there’s a reason people making those decisions have that responsibility.”
Mike Norvell pushes back against Dabo Swinney’s accusations
Florida State learned of a Clemson player with symptoms practicing and traveling with the team. Clemson said the player was isolated and masks and social distancing protocols were followed. FSU’s medical staff ultimately made the decision to not play which led to Clemson offering to rested their players and play the game on Sunday or Monday, and FSU turned down that offer.
“We were excited to play this game,” Norvell said. “We’re a young team that needs every rep we can get. I’m not concerned what any other coach says or thinks.”
Next. 50 best college football teams of all time. dark
For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.