Clemson Transfer Pitcher to Miss Start of Season After January Arrest

Head coach Erik Bakich takes a 'parenting' approach to the situation.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Clemson Tigers pitcher Ariston Veasey, a transfer from Alabama, will miss an undisclosed amount of time at the start of the 2026 season after being arrested and charged with two counts of third-degree assault and battery following an altercation at a downtown bar in January. Head coach Erik Bakich said he is taking a 'parenting' approach to the situation, noting that 'kids make mistakes' and Veasey will be 'out for a little bit of time' but not a 'long time' to start the year.

Why it matters

Veasey is one of three high-profile transfer pitchers joining the Clemson program this season, and his absence at the start of the year could impact the Tigers' early-season performance on the mound. The incident also raises questions about player discipline and accountability at the college level.

The details

In mid-January, the 19-year-old Veasey was arrested and charged with two counts of third-degree assault and battery following an altercation at a downtown Clemson bar. While Veasey is not officially 'suspended,' he will miss an undisclosed amount of time at the start of the 2026 season as Bakich takes a 'parenting' approach to the situation.

  • In mid-January, Veasey was arrested and charged.
  • Bakich met with the media on Tuesday to discuss the team's preparations.

The players

Ariston Veasey

A transfer pitcher from Alabama who will miss the start of the 2026 season at Clemson after a January arrest.

Erik Bakich

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers baseball team, who is taking a 'parenting' approach to Veasey's situation.

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What they’re saying

“It's like parenting. Kids make mistakes, you don't love them any less. You just own it, and you move on. And that is what we did, and he did.”

— Erik Bakich, Head Coach (si.com)

“He'll be out for a little bit of time, not a long time, but a little bit of time to start the year. That's one of those situations where a really good kid makes a bad decision for five seconds, and it has a ripple effect.”

— Erik Bakich, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ariston Veasey out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges college coaches face in balancing discipline and player development, as they try to hold athletes accountable while also providing guidance and support. Veasey's absence at the start of the season could impact Clemson's pitching rotation, but Bakich's 'parenting' approach suggests the program is focused on the player's long-term growth, not just short-term results.