Brother of Clemson coach Dabo Swinney arrested for stalking

As Clemson heads to Arizona to play for the national championship, coach Dabo Swinney is dealing with off-field issues regarding his older brother.

The Panama City News Herald is reporting that Swinney’s brother, Henry “Tripp” Swinney III, 47,was arrested Tuesday on charges of aggravated stalking.

Dabo Swinney addressed the matter following Thursday’s practice.

”There’s consequences for your actions. If you don’t do the right things, you suffer the consequences,” Dabo Swinney said. “I’m no different from anybody else, my family’s no different than anybody else. I think the only sad thing is, it’s a story because he’s my brother. You know, if I was Joe Schmoe then you’re not asking me that question.

“But he’s almost 50 years old and one thing I learned a long time ago is you can’t change people. People have to want to change and do the right things. Unfortunately, he’s had a long history of not doing the right things. But I love him, he’s my brother. There’s nothing I can do about it and I done everything I can to be a good brother and help him but that’s his life and those are decisions that he’s made.”

Tripp Swinney’s arrest came after his estranged wife filed a restraining order against him for domestic violence. The Bay County Sherriff’s Office told the paper the victim warned Swinney on Oct. 7 that she would divorce him and that he should stop calling, emailing or texting her.

However, Swinney allegedly continued to “maliciously” text his estranged wife, deputies wrote. He also is accused of sending her nude images of herself, “causing her substantial emotional distress and serving no legitimate purpose,” BCSO added.

The victim, who declined to be identified, said the texts and pictures were sent to intimidate her to not show up for the injunction hearing. She said most nights she would have several threatening voice messages until a judge put a permanent restraining order in place.

“It’s been a horrible experience,” she said. “No one should have to go through that.”

Swinney’s upbringing and family dysfunction has been well-documented. Tripp Swinney was actually the one responsible for the “Dabo” nickname (Dabo's real name is William). However, Tripp Swinney was involved in a major car accident at age 16 and was in coma for a couple weeks. He briefly lost his memory and when he finally regained it, he wasn’t the same person. Tripp Swinney battled alcoholism and homelessness. Dabo Swinney paid for six months of alcohol rehab for his brother and Tripp Swinney was sober for several years. According to ESPN, he suffered a recent relapse.

"I come from the most screwed-up dysfunctional situation," Swinney told Yahoo Sports. "You've got violence. Police at your house. Your dad's gone. Nowhere to live."

Clemson arrives in Arizona on Friday and will play Alabama for the national title on Monday.