Tajh Boyd Gambling Debt Rumors: Clemson QB Dismisses Claims That He Bet $80,000 On NFL Games

Clemson University quarterback Tajh Boyd has denied rumors that he’s racked up a gambling debt of over $80,000.

In a meeting with reporters on Tuesday, Boyd discussed an Internet report that claimed the Clemson quarterback had accumulated a huge gambling debt by wagering on NFL games, USA Today reports. The 23-year-old dismissed the story, which was first published by a gambling site called Incarcerated Bob’s Sports Wrap, claiming that it was completely untrue.

"I have no idea where that came from," Boyd told reporters. "It was kind of shocking to me as well. That on top of the loss [to Florida State] made for a rough little weekend."

Boyd said he doesn’t even watch many NFL games, as his cable provider only allows him access to two games each week. “I rarely watch NFL games,” Boyd told reporters.

When asked to comment about Boyd’s alleged gambling debt, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney revealed that he had asked his quarterback about the report on Sunday morning, USA Today reports. "He just shook his head and said, 'No way, coach,'" Swinney told reporters. "I have no reason not to believe Tajh Boyd. He's never lied to me before. His character and integrity from my view are impeccable, so I'm going to take his word over some website that I've never heard of, ever."

Boyd may have taken the gambling debt rumor in stride, but his family was less than thrilled by the report. In an interview with TheClemsonInsider.com, his mother, Carla Boyd, revealed that the family was considering legal action against the source of the story. “These reports are totally false,” she said, according to The State of Columbia, S.C. “Please leave my son alone.”

Despite its dubious origins, Clemson University athletic director Dan Radakovich ordered his compliance office to look into the gambling debt story, The State reports. By Monday, the office had reportedly determined that the allegations were without merit.