Clemson kicker Ammon Lakip suspended for at least 3 games
Clemson will be without starting kicker Ammon Lakip for at least the first three games of the regular season.
Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney said Thursday that Lakip is suspended because of his June arrest for DUI and cocaine possession. Lakip, a senior, rejoined the team this week but has not participated in practice.
Lakip had previously been suspended indefinitely stemming from his June 6 arrest. Lakip was pulled over for having trouble staying in his lane. The arresting officer wrote in the incident report that Lakip “had the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage about his breath and person” and “had trouble paying attention” to his instructions. Lakip was assessed with a field sobriety test and had trouble walking in a straight line. Additionally, 0.4 grams of cocaine was allegedly found in a lip balm container.
Lakip hit 21-of-28 field goals and 43-of-44 extra point attempts and was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award in 2014. Swinney said Lakip could return for the Notre Dame game on Oct. 3.
Greg Huegel and Alex Spence, both redshirt freshmen, are the candidates to fill in during Lakip’s suspension. Huegel, Swinney said Thursday, currently has the edge heading into the season opener.
“Greg Huegel had a big day,” Swinney said per WYFF. “He did not miss today and made a 53-yarder on the last play of the scrimmage. He was 3-8 the last time we scrimmaged in the stadium, but he came back today. I was impressed and as of today he is our starting kicker. He was outstanding all day.”
For more Clemson news, visit TigerIllustrated.com.
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