Dabo Swinney and Steve Spurrier’s war of words continues - wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |

CLEMSON, SC (WYFF) - During his regular news conference on Tuesday, Dabo Swinney spoke about comments made by Steve Spurrier during an event to celebrate USC's Marcus Lattimore.

At the Monday event in Columbia that was set up to wish Lattimore a speedy recovery for the season-ending injury he received in Sunday's game, USC's coach Steve Spurrier spoke to the crowd and commented about Lattimore -- and referenced what Clemson's coach Dabo Swinney had said about Lattimore.

Spurrier said, "A lot of quotes came across from the nation and I read one today from the head coach at our upstate school," Spurrier told the crowd. You know, that school that used to beat us a lot that doesn't beat us much any more, that one.  Usually when that coach up there talks about South Carolina it's a bunch of garbage and a bunch of BS usually. But I have to agree with him on what he said the other day."

Swinney had said this earlier about Lattimore's injury: "It took my breath away. I was watching it and it just breaks my heart. I mean I just hurt for him and his family and his teammates.  This is a guy that to me represents all the good things that college football should be about.  He's a guy I know personally, he's a class young man and so is his family. I know how hard he has worked."

"If there is anybody I would bet on it is Marcus Lattimore. I know it will be a long process, but I tell you what, I would put my money on Marcus Lattimore in a heartbeat. When he comes to terms with this, he will do everything he can to come back. My prayers go out to him and his family. I have been heavy-hearted for him. He is a winner in every regard. Hopefully we haven't seen the last of him from a football standpoint. He has been a great representative for his family and his university. I will lift him up in my prayers," Swinney said.

Swinney was asked about Spurrier's comments on his weekly call-in show and he responded by saying, " I don't really have a comment other than I'm embarrassed for him. That would be about the only thing I have to say about that."

On Tuesday, when asked about the comments again he said:  "Yes. I heard it. It obviously doesn't take long in this world we live in. We practiced late on Monday so I didn't see it until afterwards.  Look. People need to back off the ledge. Personally I really think that he was trying to pay us a compliment, I think. I think?  I know it was kind of around about way of getting there. It would be kinda like telling my wife I really think you should wear this dress cause this dress looks great and you doesn't look near as fat in that dress. But it's kinda around about way but I'll take it as a compliment. I think that is what he was trying to do. So, you know. I do take it as a compliment that he would use something that I said to compliment one of his players. And having said that .. again.. as I said the other day prayers are with Marcus Lattimore ..great young man. Football is a violent game, injuries happen, people get hurt all the time. He's a guy I know, I know his family. I meant exactly what I said. He's a quality, quality person and I really believe if anyone can come back he will and I hope he does. I'm disappointed that we are not going to have a chance to compete against him, because he's a great competitor. I want to be the best I want to play the best. I've never been a guy that wanted to line up and not have any challenges. I want to compete against the best so I'm disappointed he can't play this year but I'm hopeful he'll be back and be able to play this game that he loves. That's really all there is so, I don't have anything other than that."