Earlier this week, Clemson QB Kelly Bryant announced that he was leaving Clemson after the team had demoted him and made freshman Trevor Lawrence.
Via ESPN
Kelly Bryant has decided to transfer from Clemson after losing the starting quarterback job, he told The Greenville News on Wednesday.
Bryant started the past 18 games for the Tigers, but he was informed Monday that he had been demoted in favor of freshman Trevor Lawrence. Coach Dabo Swinney described their Monday meeting as “emotional” and gave Bryant the day off practice. But Bryant also skipped practice on Tuesday. He detailed his decision to the newspaper. Bryant didn’t return phone and text messages sent by ESPN.
“They asked me how I felt about it,” Bryant told the newspaper about his meeting with Swinney. “I was like, ‘I’m not discrediting Trevor. He’s doing everything asked of him, but on my side of it, I feel like I haven’t done anything to not be the starter. I’ve been here. I’ve waited my turn. I’ve done everything y’all have asked me to do, plus more.’
Unfortunately for Clemson Trevor Lawrence went down with an injury while running towards the sideline.
This led to ESPN play-by-play announcer Todd Blackledge to rip Kelly Bryant for being “selfish” and not thinking about the team when he decided to transfer.
Kelly Bryant had the right to make that decision if he thought he was necessary and important for him to play somewhere else for another year, he was still going to play here but I think it just ends up being a very selfish decision because you don’t put the team first.
Blackledge’s comments didn’t go over very well on Twitter.
Todd Blackledge calling Kelly Bryant's transfer from Clemson "selfish" on the #SYRvsCLEM broadcast. Says he didn't put program first. Get. Out. Of. Here.
— Mark J. Burns (@markjburns88) September 29, 2018
So Todd Blackledge thinks what Kelly Bryant did was selfish but I totally disagree. Well I’m sorry but Bryant wanted to play and he deserved to play as he helped lead the Tigers to the CFB playoffs a year ago. Not to mention, this was his senior season and he can start somewhere
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) September 29, 2018
The number of ESPN personalities calling Kelly Bryant’s decision selfish or wrong right now is staggering. First Todd Blackledge, now Jesse Palmer. Imagine a few more similar takes are coming.
— Curt Weiler (@CurtMWeiler) September 29, 2018
Todd Blackledge just called Kelly Bryant selfish for transferring. I want to bash my head against a wall
— Josh Neighbors (@JoshNeighbors_) September 29, 2018
Announcers just called Kelly Bryant selfish, which is atrocious slander of a young man who made a totally understandable business decision. Hey @Todd_Blackledge, if you were being phased out at your job, would you try to find a new network or stay just to be a “good team player”?
— Josh McCann (@_josh_mccann) September 29, 2018
Todd Blackledge needs to shut the fuck up. Kelly Bryant was benched after going 16-2 for Clemson. Why is it that players are labeled as selfish when they decide to do what is in their best interests?
— D-Anon (@destrucritism) September 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/IamJoeSports/status/1046093037238210560
Almost as brutal as Todd Blackledge trying to paint Kelly Bryant as "selfish" because he wanted to transfer and play somewhere. Free agency for coaches but not for players? Uh ok Todd.
— Tom T (@TTolman) September 29, 2018