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Friday, December 13, 2002
Ardley is dismissed
Associated Press
CLEMSON, S.C. -- Alex Ardley, the All-ACC cornerback who
said he might leave Clemson early to enter the NFL draft, has been
dismissed from the team.
The junior, who led the Tigers with six interceptions this
season, was dismissed Thursday for breaking team rules, coach Tommy
Bowden said. Clemson sports information director Tim Bourret would
not say exactly what rules Ardley broke.
Ardley said in December he would make his decision to enter the
draft after the Tigers played in Monday's Gator Bowl. He was
ejected from that game and when he did not leave the field in a
timely manner, and also exchanged words with Bowden.
Ardley said he guessed the dismissal stemmed from the ejection.
"Violated team rules -- I don't know what that is," Ardley
said. "I wanted to finish my career at Clemson. But I have to deal
with it and get on with my future."
Ardley said he was talking with family and will make a decision about entering the NFL draft before the Jan. 12 deadline.
Ardley said he didn't know he had been dismissed from the team
until reporters called his Tallahassee, Fla., home around 2 p.m.
Thursday. Bourret said Bowden contacted Ardley at 2:30 p.m.
Ardley said he spoke with Bowden briefly and the coach said
Ardley should have expected the dismissal.
Ardley is tied for fourth in Clemson history with 12
interceptions. His three interceptions against Maryland this season
tied a school record.
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