Clemson sophomore wide receiver Sammy Watkins, a Biletnikoff Award candidate, was suspended for the first two games of the 2012 season by coach Dabo Swinney.
Watkins was arrested by Clemson, S.C., police and charged with simple marijuana possession and possession of a controlled substance on May 5.
“I told Sammy there would be a high end and low end, and it would be up to him as to the length of the suspension,” Swinney said. “He has done everything we have asked and then some, so the two-game suspension is the low end.”
Swinney said “teaching young people life lessons” if far more important than any football game. Watkins said he accepts the punishment and will “look forward to Sept. 15 when I can return to gameday in Death Valley.”
Watkins’ car was pulled over after officers witnessed the vehicle scrape against a curb on campus. The officer smelled marijuana upon approaching the car and the vehicle was searched.
The controlled substance charge relates to two schedule-2 non-narcotic pills found on Watkins for which he did not have a prescription. A male soccer player was also in the car.
Last season, Watkins led the Tigers with 82 catches for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns.