Trevor Lawrence, Darien Rencher to Speak at Clemson on-Campus Demonstration

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Darien Rencher are expected to speak during an on-campus demonstration Saturday at Bowman Field amid worldwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality after George Floyd was killed while in Minneapolis Police custody May 25.

Zoe Nicholson of the Greenville News reported Wednesday the peaceful protest is expected to include a march through downtown Clemson, South Carolina. Clemson city administer Andy Blondeau said the event is expected to attract at least 2,000 people.

"[Tigers head coach] Dabo [Swinney] is going to be introducing Trevor Lawrence and Darien Rencher, who are going to be the primary speakers, from what I understand," Blondeau told the city's economic development advisory committee.

Clemson Athletics spokesperson Jeff Kallin told Nicholson the event is not sponsored by the university. That said, school police will monitor the protest.

"As a university, we're gathering details on how to best support the event," Clemson student affairs communications director Philip Sikes told the Greenville News.

Lawrence is among the numerous athletes who've used their platform to discuss racial inequality since Floyd's death:

Meanwhile, Tigers assistant coach Danny Pearman issued an apology last week after details from an incident involving former Clemson tight end tight end D.J. Greenlee where he used a racial slur became public, per ESPN's David M. Hale.

"Three years ago on the practice field, I made a grave mistake involving D.J. Greenlee. I repeated a racial slur I overheard when trying to stop the word from being used on the practice field," Pearman said. "What I overheard, I had no right to repeat."

Swinney defended his initial response to the situation Monday.

"There wasn't anything swept under the rug," he said. "There wasn't some dirty secret. We handled it head-on. Forgiveness and grace is important. It's important for any of us, but I've known Danny Pearman for 30 years, and Danny Pearman is a good man. He's had incredible relationships with his players. This was totally out of character, but we dealt with it, and we moved on."

Saturday's event is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. local time.

It's unclear how many other members of the Tigers roster are expected to attend. The team recently began voluntary workouts after receiving NCAA clearance to return to campus amid the coronavirus pandemic.