Dabo Swinney says allegations his team used racial slurs are 'absolutely' false

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said he has talked with his team about allegations made by South Carolina players that the Tigers used racial slurs before Saturday's game at Memorial Stadium and believes the incident did not occur.

"I was made aware of that. Obviously everyone is talking about it. That's a shame," Swinney said Sunday. "Absolutely I asked my guys about that. To a man, absolutely false. I believe my guys. I know the character of our team and that's really all there is to say about it."

Clemson beat South Carolina 56-7, and after the game Gamecocks receiver linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams said a Tigers offensive lineman used a racial slur.

"They used the N-word, one of their offensive linemen. I don't know which number," Allen-Williams told The State newspaper.

Several other South Carolina players took to social media to express similar concerns, though one, Terry Googer, told The State on Sunday that he was concerned with fans, not opposing players.

Clemson has beaten South Carolina three straight years in a rivalry that has a history of being heated. The Tigers will play Virginia Tech for the ACC championship this week.