Clemson has announced that linebacker Cortney Vincent will not return for the 2008 season. Vincent was a starter in 2007, when he helped Clemson to top 10 rankings in total defense and scoring defense, but had been suspended for spring practice because of a violation of team rules. Head Coach Tommy Bowden announced Monday that Vincent would not return in the fall, according to the Clemson Tigers Web site:

"I had suspended Cortney Vincent for spring practice for a violation of team rules," said Bowden. "We outlined some goals for Cortney this spring. While he would have been academically eligible to compete this year, he did not meet these goals during the spring semester."

Last year, Vincent started in 12 of Clemson's 13 games.