This article was written by a student of ENGL 2310: Intro to Journalism, which is taught by Mike Pulley.

The long battle between Clemson University Parking Services vs. the spectators at Clemson football games had yet another chapter this fall. 

This time however, it was not a student nor even an average game-day fan that was cited. It was the most powerful figure of the Atlantic Coast Conference and a Clemson sports legend.

On Thursday, Aug. 29, the Clemson Tigers faced the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at home to kick off the 2019 college football season. A sold-out crowd along with former Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd and ACC Commissioner John Swofford were there to watch the defending national champions.

The two high profile attendees ended the day with more than a ticket to a football game. They were both reportedly cited and towed by Clemson Parking and Transportation Services for their vehicles resting in an illegal space. 

A few days later, Boyd tweeted about the citations. He then talked about them the following week when he appeared on the ESPN Upstate radio show “Straight Up with Sturg.”

 “I’ll tell you what, they don’t discriminate out there,” Boyd said jokingly.

The 2012 ACC Player of the Year responded to a suggestion that he had his own parking spot on campus: “You’ve been greatly mistaken.” 

When asked about Boyd’s citation, Director of Parking and Transportation Services Dan Hoffman said, “I have no knowledge of a parking ticket issued to Mr. Boyd.” 

Regardless, parking availability at Clemson is something that Boyd does not take lightly.

“It’s an issue that needs to be addressed,” Boyd said. “From where Clemson is, from a football and academia standpoint, it’s not slowing down, I can tell you that.”

Another mystery is Swofford’s car reportedly being towed. Both Boyd and Tiger Illustrated writer Larry Williams said it happened. Parking Services Director Hofmann declined to comment on the allegation. 

The Tiger was unable to reach Boyd and Swofford for further comment.