In a stunning series of events ahead of Thursday’s Orange Bowl, Clemson has reportedly sent home Deon Cain, Ammon Lakip and Jay Jay McCullough on Tuesday for a violation of team rules, according to Price Atkinson of ESPN Radio.
Aaron Brenner of the Post and Courier corroborated the report and cited failed drug tests as the violation:
Can confirm @PriceAtkinson report: Clemson WR Deon Cain, TE Jay Jay McCullough & K Ammon Lakip sent home from Orange Bowl. Failed drug test.
— Aaron Brenner (@Aaron_Brenner) December 30, 2015
The blow is a massive one for the Tigers as they take on the Oklahoma Sooners in the College Football Playoff semifinal for a chance at the program’s first national title since 1981.