Lewis Dismissed By Bowden

April 24, 2001

Clemson, SC – Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden has announced that reserve defensive lineman Marcus Lewis has been dismissed from the Tiger football team.

Lewis had been suspended from the team as a result of his arrest earlier this month for his involvement in several incidents that took place on the Clemson campus between July 30 and November 30, 2000. He had been involved with teammates Paul White and Tyronne Dickerson in the charges that ranged from first degree burglary and simple larceny. White and Dickerson were dismissed from the team on April 4.

“Marcus Lewis was a first-time offender,” said Bowden. “He had never been in any trouble previously and has been an honor roll student. I wanted to see how extensively he was involved in these incidents before making a decision. But, after reviewing the facts of the case, I have decided to dismiss Marcus Lewis from the Clemson team.

“I am certainly disappointed. Marcus made some poor decisions during his involvement in these incidents. We review these situations with the players after every practice, and after every game.”

Lewis was listed as a second-team defensive end entering the spring of 2001. He did not take part in any spring workouts due to his recuperation from a torn ACL injury that he suffered in December while preparing for the Gator Bowl.

Lewis, who played at Dunwoody High School in Georgia, played 155 snaps in 11 games in 2000, all as a reserve. He made 10 tackles, including three tackles for loss and one sack during Clemson’s 9-2 regular season.