Clemson’s Versatile Top defensive lineman charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana…
A Clemson football player is facing a misdemeanor charge for possessing marijuana or hash ahead of the 2024 season following his arrest on Sunday. According to Pickens County court records, Caden Story, a defensive end for the Tigers, was arrested on June 21.
The charge specifies possession of 28 grams or less of marijuana, or 10 grams or less of hash, both cannabis products. The case was officially filed on Tuesday and is noted as a first offense in the Pickens County online database. As of now, Story owes $615 in fines and costs related to his arrest. In South Carolina, possession of these amounts can result in a fine of $100 to $200 or up to 30 days in prison upon conviction, according to state laws.
The team declined immediate comment, referring inquiries to head coach Dabo Swinney, who is expected to address the issue during a media appearance on Thursday at ACC Kickoff in Charlotte.
Story’s arrest was initially covered by The Greenville News. According to Clemson’s student-athlete handbook, Story’s arrest will not result in an automatic suspension from athletic activities. This is because his arrest did not involve any felony charges, sports-related offenses like gambling or game fixing, illegal possession of weapons, or criminal sexual conduct.
However, Story will undergo drug testing as part of Clemson’s athletic department guidelines and may face internal disciplinary measures.
According to online court records, Story’s initial court appearance is scheduled for a “criminal/traffic court” session on September 24 in Central, South Carolina’s municipal court. Story, aged 20, is currently a redshirt sophomore entering his third year at Clemson University.
He originally joined Clemson as a highly rated defensive line recruit from Alabama in 2022, earning a four-star rating.
Throughout his first two seasons, he has participated in a total of 11 games. During his redshirt freshman year, he played in 10 out of 13 games, recording two tackles over 59 defensive snaps. Recently, he transitioned from defensive tackle to defensive end during the offseason and is anticipated to serve as a backup for the 2024 season.
Story’s arrest is the third instance this year where a Clemson football player has been publicly arrested on a criminal charge. Before the 2024 spring practice began, defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart was arrested on February 6 for a felony weapons charge and a traffic violation.
Similarly, wide receiver Noble Johnson was arrested on February 19 following a car accident resulting in injuries to all involved. Capehart, whose arrest led to an automatic suspension under Clemson’s rules, had his charges dismissed later in February. Johnson’s case, which did not require an automatic suspension, is still unresolved.
