Swinney's decision for an unconditional release of Josh Belk the right move for Clemson

The time for debating, bickering, and complaining about the reason that Josh Belk decided to leave Clemson should have come to an end the moment he released a formal statement through his attorney yesterday explaining his decision.

A statement drafted by the law firm Gaston, Marion & Stubbs in Chester noted that “Circumstances of Mr. Belk’s life have led him to request a full, unconditional release from Coach (Dabo) Swinney that was graciously granted by Coach Swinney and the university in a timely manner.”

Belk also added this short note via his Twitter account.

 “I will be transferring from Clemson University. I appreciate the Clemson staff, fans and coaching staff. Thanks to Coach [Dabo] Swinney for the opportunity. Nothing bad to say about the university and my time there. Just feel that it’s the best decision for my family and I.”

The truth is, at this point, it doesn't matter why Belk decided to leave Clemson. It doesn't matter if you agree with the decision that he made, or if you even believe him.

Some will disagree with Dabo Swinney's decision to allow Belk free reign to transfer anywhere, via an unconditional release. 

Clemson Sports Talk

(R-L) Freshman Trevor Lawrence, Josh Belk, and Jackson Carman run down "The Hill" before the spring game.

In a statement, Swinney noted, “Josh is a good young man from a great family. Sometimes circumstances change, as is the case with Josh. We are disappointed he is leaving, but I enjoyed being around him the past few months. He did everything that was asked of him and had an excellent semester academically. I wish him all the best in the years to come.”

As I said last night on Clemson Sports Talk, you can't champion the "Clemson Family" and then not deliver when a player wants out, especially if the player sites family as the reason for needing to leave. 

Nobody lost when Belk decided on May 12th that he wanted to leave Clemson. 

Not Belk, not Clemson University, not the Clemson football team, and definitely not Swinney.

Look at it like this, assuming that Swinney and Belk are both being honest about the situation and Belk's circumstances have changed; it's a great move.

That means that Belk's concern for his mother's health, as reported by The News and Reporter in Chester, are real, and Swinney honored his decision without hesitation. 

If you think Belk just couldn't cut it on the depth chart, or that the return of Christian Wilkins was an issue for the 4-star defensive tackle, ask yourself this. Is that really someone that you want on the team?

One of the threads that has been woven through Clemson's football program during Swinney's tenure is personal accountability.

Whether Belk's decision was made due to the family circumstances, or some other unknown reason to us at this time, it doesn't matter.

In my estimation what matters is how your head coach manages a delicate situation. If you handle something like this the wrong way, it can blow up in your face and change how your program is perceived down the road.

I believe that allowing Belk an opportunity to make a decision that he felt was best for him, honoring that decision, and not trying to put your thumb on an 18-year-old college athlete is the right thing to do.

Even if it turns out that Belk's decision had nothing to do with his mother's heath, is it worth it?

Is it worth putting up a fight, especially if the young man wasn't going to be happy at Clemson?

To me, the answer is simple. No.

One day, there will be a top prospect who has a parent or grandparent with health concerns, and for that player, distance from home and the opportunity to return home if it comes to that could be a factor. Swinney's decision in Belk's case could be a comfort for another star in a similar situation. Ultimately, it could be the deciding factor for a kid in that situation. 

Today's deposits could yield benefits for Clemson down the road. It could even be a boost if you are battling against a coach who has been a jerk in similar situations.

Belk looks like he is going to be a tremendous football player and no matter where he goes he has a chance to be special. 

If this move was about his mother's health, then good luck young man.

If this move was about escaping Clemson's depth chart, then good luck young man.

Either way, Belk’s decision is his own and having Swinney support him on the way out is good for Clemson football.

Some will fear that this could open Pandora's Box, giving players the power to leave the program down the road, but I don't see it that way at all.

Character wins out and given the type of players Clemson's brought into the program, this situation need not be a cause for concern.

The Tigers will replenish the defensive line coffers in due time. Some of that started last week when Tayquon Johnson‍ committed to Clemson Monday.

It's too bad that we won't get to see Belk develop up close and personal. But his mom might, and honestly, that fact alone is more important than losing Belk to South Carolina or any other potential suitor.