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Clemson coach Dabo Swinney cancels appearance amid controversy

(AP Photo/Anderson Independent-Mail, Mark Crammer)
(AP Photo/Anderson Independent-Mail, Mark Crammer)

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney will no longer appear at a fundraiser for the Palmetto Family Council, a conservative advocacy group that opposes same-sex marriage and abortion.

Swinney was invited to accept an award from the group at an event on June 2, but both South Carolina state rep. Todd Rutherford and GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) spoke out in hopes that he’d skip the event.

A day later, Swinney released a statement saying he would not attend and that he was “no association” with the Palmetto Family Council.

Here is Swinney’s statement in its entirety:

"I was recently selected by the Palmetto Family Council, an organization with which I have no association, as their “South Carolina Family Champion of 2015” and was invited to receive this recognition at an event sponsored by the group on June 2. I had no idea that I was being invited into a political controversy. It was my understanding that the nomination and selection for this award was based on the work done by our All In Foundation and the difference it is making in our community. My acceptance of this award was to be on behalf of all the volunteers that make our foundation a success. The work of our foundation is intended to build a better community and be a positive influence.

"Recently, my scheduled participation in this event has been perceived incorrectly as an endorsement of certain viewpoints and has entered the political arena. I have been out of town since last Thursday and am disappointed that this has become a distraction for me, my team and many others. I have been and continue to be very open about my personal beliefs. However, I do not inject those beliefs or the work of the foundation into the political process.

"I appreciate the recognition of my and the foundation's efforts. However, after much thought, in order to avoid a distraction for the team and the entire football program, I've decided it is in the best interests of all involved that I not attend the event on June 2."

For more Clemson news, visit TigerIllustrated.com.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!