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FSU Head Coach Mike Norvell Addresses Postponement Of Clemson Game

A man dressed in all black speaks while a group of football players are seated around him.  Coaches and staff listen in the background.
Andrew Salinero
/
Seminoles.com
FSU head football coach speaks with players during a pre-season workout

Florida State University football coach Mike Norvell says the decision not to play Clemson Saturday was made with the health and safety of players in mind. During Monday’s press conference Norvell also addressed statements from Clemson’s coach that the called-off game was just an excuse to avoid a defeat.

FSU football Coach Mike Norvell wants to clear the air: "Friday night is where the concern really escalated. The fact that a symptomatic player participated throughout the course of the week and made the trip to Tallahassee raised a lot of concerns."

That symptomatic player was a Clemson member. Norvell says the call to postpone the game came from the medical staff and not from him. He says the team was together and eating breakfast when they found out the game had been canceled. It was a disappointing moment, but he’s hoping the schools will make it up on December 12.

"You have two teams that both have an open date there in December," said Norvell. "It’s a great opportunity for this rivalry to continue and we’re excited to see it here in Tallahassee."

Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney told reporters Saturday that the Seminoles should refund the travel expenses that the Tigers used or come to Clemson for the rescheduled game. Norvell says:

"You know if contributions need to be made then I’ll sign up to make one," said Norvell.

The game has yet to be rescheduled. If it is made up mid-December, it’d be the last game of the season for both teams.

Blaise Gainey is a State Government Reporter for WFSU News. Blaise hails from Windermere, Florida. He graduated from The School of Journalism at the Florida A&M University. He formerly worked for The Florida Channel, WTXL-TV, and before graduating interned with WFSU News. He is excited to return to the newsroom. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports, Netflix, outdoor activities and anything involving his daughter.