Clemson starting defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence was one of three Tigers to fail a drug test, Dabo Swinney told reporters on Monday ahead of the Cotton Bowl.
Lawrence’s test shows “trace amounts of ostarine,” per Manie Robinson of Greenville News, but a B Sample could potentially clear him and the other two players on Wednesday.
Ostarine is a drug that boosts muscle growth and prevents muscle wasting. So, while it’s not a steroid, it is a performance-enhancing drug.
If the B Sample doesn’t clear Lawrence, then the fallout from this failed test could be huge. In addition to him likely facing discipline from Clemson, this is a player who many believe will be selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
This season, Lawrence tallied 36 tackles, including seven for a loss, 1.5 sacks and one interception for the Tigers. He also was featured on offense in the red zone and scored a touchdown.