The South Carolina-Clemson rivalry runs deep in the Palmetto State. So deep that sometimes it dips into the bizarre.
A Pickens, S.C., police officer who stopped Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney for speeding was later fired for posting details of the stop on a South Carolina message board, while using department equipment.
Cpl. Michael McClatchy was terminated for violation of city computer policy, violation of code of ethics and violation of general orders, Police Chief Rodney Gregory said Friday.
Swinney was stopped at a BI-LO supermarket in Pickens on Labor Day. The coach was going 63 mph in a 35-mph zone, according to Pickens Police Chief Rodney Gregory.
Swinney got out of his vehicle and said he was running late for his radio call-in show at the supermarket. He received the citation while signing autographs for fans.
Swinney eventually received a minimum fine and points against his driver’s license, according to Gregory.
On Sept. 14, McClatchy made a posting to the USC message board with his version of events.
McClatchy wrote that Swinney “thought he would be excused for the violation and continue to his appointment.” The officer also mentioned that Swinney’s brother, who was a passenger in the car, mentioned that he was a retired Alabama police officer and expressed disappointment in the actions of the officer.
Gregory told the Pickens County Courier that Dabo Swinney paid the fine and sent a letter of apology for his involvement in the matter.
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