Jadeveon Clowney too sore to play

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina All-American defensive end Jadeveon Clowney did not play against Kentucky on Saturday, and coach Steve Spurrier was not entirely pleased about it.

Clowney came to the coaches before the game and said that bruised ribs that kept him from practice Thursday were too sore for him to play. So the 6-foot-6, 274-pound All-American watched the Gamecocks' 35-28 win against Kentucky from the sidelines, chatting with teammates as South Carolina lost a large lead for the third straight game.

Clowney missed practice on Thursday with the injury, but defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward said it was likely he'd be in the lineup Saturday night. Clowney was announced with the starters but came out without his pads when the game began.

If Clowney "wants to play, we will welcome him to come play for the team if he wants," Spurrier said. "But if he doesn't want to play, he doesn't have to play. Simple as that."

Clowney has been bothered by injuries and ailments throughout the season. He was ill before games with North Carolina and UCF, and has also been dealing with bone spurs in his right foot, a problem he's had since high school.

He has yet to break out this season as opponents have largely played away from his side. The reigning Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year has just 12 tackles and two sacks.

"He may not be able to play next week. I don't know," Spurrier said. "But we're not going to worry about it, I can assure you of that."

Ward said he thought Clowney would play during the team's walk-through earlier Saturday and was surprised when he learned he wouldn't be out there.

"He said he was hurting, but I thought he was going to play," Ward said. "Love to have JD out there, but we've got to put 11 guys on the field."



http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9778041/jadeveon-clowney-not-playing-no-13-south-carolina