#Mike Norvell hits back at Dabo Swinney claim of ducking Clemson

After Clemson coach Dabo Swinney insinuated that Florida State ducked Saturday’s game by using a Clemson player’s positive COVID-19 test as an excuse, FSU coach Mike Norvell vehemently refuted the notion and said the postponement was entirely a safety decision.

Norvell said the coronavirus was “absolutely” the reason for the postponement, adding that his staff and players were excited to play Saturday before it was deemed unsafe to do so. The decision was made after news broke that one Clemson player who had shown symptoms earlier in the week was permitted to travel with the team to Florida.

“Football coaches are not doctors. 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 told reporters Monday. “It’s unfortunate that opportunity has been delayed, but there’s a reason people making those decisions have that responsibility.”

Norvell said he first learned of Clemson’s positive case after a routine call between medical professionals at each school Friday evening. FSU says Clemson informed them of a symptomatic player who had participated in practices and traveled with the team, while noting that proper protocols were followed and that said player was kept isolated during travel.

On a Saturday morning call that did not include coaches, it was determined by Florida State’s medical staff that it was unsafe to play, Norvell said. ESPN reported that Clemson offered to retest members of the team and delay the game by a day or two, but FSU declined.

Swinney made a point to blast Florida State’s decision Sunday, alluding to the possibility that the Seminoles simply didn’t want to play. On Monday, Norvell said he attempted to contact Swinney after the decision was official Saturday morning, but they did not speak.

“We were excited to play this game,” said Norvell, who tested positive for COVID-19 in late September. “We’re a young team that needs every rep we can get. I’m not concerned what any other coach says or thinks.”