Clemson Tigers

Clemson suspends three players for Orange Bowl

Published Dec. 29, 2015 10:26 p.m. ET

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Clemson is the top seed in the College Football Playoff because it has yet to lose this season. Until Tuesday.

The No. 1 Tigers lost three players from their roster -- receiver Deon Cain, tight end Jay Jay McCullough and kicker Ammon Lakip -- for breaking team rules ahead of the team's Orange Bowl matchup with No. 4 Oklahoma. 

Coach Dabo Swinney confirmed the suspensions Wednesday morning at his final news conference before the game. He did not say what rules the players violated, but according to multiple reports, they were sent home for failing drug tests.

According to Robert Thorne McRae, publisher and scouting director of the Clemson Insider, the three players were notified before Tuesday’s practice but after attending Orange Bowl Media Day earlier in the day.

The Tigers (13-0) face the Sooners (11-1) in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Thursday in the first of two national semifinal games. The game kicks off at 4 p.m. ET, followed by No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 2 Alabama in the Cotton Bowl in the other semifinal at 8 p.m. ET.

Cain appears to be the biggest loss with respect to on-field production, as he is tied for third on the team in receptions (34), tied for second in touchdown catches (five) and alone in second in receiving yards (582). His 67-yard catch is the longest reception of the season for Clemson, as well.

The freshman was also suspended for the Miami game in October.

Lakip, a senior kicker, missed the first three games of the season after he was arrested in June and charged with cocaine possession and driving under the influence. He has played sparingly since.

McCullough is a junior tight end who has not caught a pass this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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