Clemson's Coleman suspended for bowl game following arrest

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Clemson cornerback Duane Coleman apologized to his team Friday for a drug arrest that cost him the chance to play in the Music City Bowl.<br> <br> Coleman, a senior who started all 12 games, was suspended after his arrest on a marijuana possession charge. Clemson coach Tommy Bowden met with Coleman on Friday to explain the suspension.<br> <br> ``I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches, and fans,&#39;&#39; Coleman said in statement. ``I made a mistake and I must accept the consequences for my actions.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> The 23-year-old Coleman, of Naples, Fla., was arrested Wednesday when a small amount of marijuana was found in his car, police said. Coleman was held overnight at the Oconee County jail and released on a personal recognizance bond.<br> <br> Coleman was stopped in downtown Seneca about seven miles from Clemson&#39;s campus for failing to use a turn signal and the arresting officer smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle, police said.<br> <br> When asked by police if there were any drugs or weapons in the car, Coleman responded, ``We done smoked it,&#39;&#39; according to an incident report.<br> <br> Coleman then allowed police to search the vehicle, the report said.<br> <br> Bowden said he didn&#39;t make the decision to suspend Coleman in haste, considering the player&#39;s status as a team leader. ``But he has to be held accountable for his actions,&#39;&#39; the coach said.<br> <br> Coleman, who graduated Thursday, said he won&#39;t let this week&#39;s mistake spoil his time with the Tigers. He was proud of his accomplishments on and off the field.<br> <br> ``I am not going to let one night ruin my time at Clemson,&#39;&#39; Coleman said. ``I grew as a person here the last five years. ... I am also proud of the contributions I made to this football program.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Coleman&#39;s backups are freshman Crezdon Butler and senior Sergio Gilliam. Coleman was one of two senior starters on defense, the other being All-America defensive end Gaines Adams.<br> <br> Clemson finished up on-campus practices Friday. The team will break for Christmas before traveling to Nashville, Tenn., next week to face Kentucky (7-5).<br> <br> Coleman finished the year with 81 tackles, fourth best on the team. He had three fumble recoveries and his only career interception. Coleman was named the Atlantic Coast Conference&#39;s defensive back of the week in September after the Tigers defeated Florida State, 27-20. He had nine tackles against the Seminoles.<br> <br> Coleman, who spent his first two-plus seasons as a running back and was the team&#39;s top rusher in 2003, is the only player in school history with at least 50 receptions and 100 tackles.<br> <br> He joined the program in 2002, a NCAA partial qualifier. ``Few people thought I would graduate when I first came here. At times, I am not even sure I thought I could do it,&#39;&#39; he said. ``But, I accomplished that and I am proud to be a Clemson graduate.&#39;&#39;