Report: Clemson's Ryan Norton has received death threats
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said in an ESPN report on Tuesday that center Ryan Norton has received death threats on social media because of a bad snap during the Tigers' loss to No. 1-ranked FSU over the weekend.
On the play, Norton snapped the ball over the head of quarterback Deshaun Watson with Clemson a half yard from the endzone. Watson fell on the ball at the FSU 24 and Clemson ended up losing 23-17 in overtime after kicker Ammon Lakip missed a 40-yard field goal attempt.
• Ex-Michigan QB Michael Taylor had choice word for UM athletic department
Swinney said he understands most of the messages on social media directed toward Norton were people venting frustration over the play, but he said, "those are people with issues."
"Coach [Chad] Morris told me [about the threats] last night. That's disappointing. I think he deleted his account. It's a shame that young people have to deal with that kind of stuff. Nobody wants to make a bad snap...I think most of it was people mad and venting, but it was threatening to Ryan is what I was told. Those aren't fans -- those are people with issues."
The Tigers are now 1-2, with losses at Georgia and FSU but were on the right end of a 73-7 drubbing in Week 2 vs. South Carolina State. Clemson hosts North Carolina on Saturday.
- Marc Weinreich
