ACC Fines Syracuse $25,000 for Faking Injuries vs Clemson

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has fined Syracuse University $25,000 and issued a public reprimand for violating NCAA Football Rule 3-3-6-b by feigning injuries during their 34-21 win over Clemson. The conference determined that two players and a coach deliberately faked injuries with 9:25 remaining in the fourth quarter to gain an unmerited advantage by stopping the game and securing an injury timeout, circumventing the new injury timeout rule. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik criticized Syracuse for these actions, stating that the injury timeouts disrupted Clemson's momentum and rhythm as they tried to mount a comeback. The ACC's national coordinator of football officials reviewed the incident and agreed it violated the spirit of fair play. This fine is the maximum allowed by ACC bylaws, and the funds will be directed to a postgraduate scholarship account. The ACC emphasized that such unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated, signaling increased scrutiny over similar behavior in the conference.