Clemson's Boyd denies gambling rumor
Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd laughed off an Internet rumor that he accumulated thousands of dollars in NFL gambling debts and old reporters on Tuesday that there is no truth to it.
"I don't really know where that came from," Boyd said. "When I heard it, it was pretty shocking. That being built on top of the loss made it a rough little weekend."
Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich had the athletic department's compliance office check out the rumor over the weekend and found nothing.
"That just added to my beautiful Sunday," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. "I spoke to Tajh about it, and he just shook his head. So I have no reason to not believe Tajh Boyd. That is the only comment there is.
"It's disappointing that we live in this world where things like that happen. I have no reason to think that he lied to me. He's never lied to me before. Obviously, it would be a major problem if you have somebody lying to you about something like that. You'd have to move on in a different direction. It's that simple.
"I have no reason not to trust (Boyd) -- absolutely. No question, his integrity is impeccable."
Boyd's mother told TheClemsonInsider.com that the family was considering legal action against the rumor's originator.
"These reports are totally false," Carla Boyd said. "Please leave my son alone."
The Tigers were left reeling after a 51-14 loss at home on Saturday night to Florida State in an ACC showdown of unbeaten and top-five teams. Boyd threw two interceptions, lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown by the Seminoles and completed only 17 of 37 passes for 156 yards.
