PICKENS – A Pickens police officer has been fired for blogging about writing a speeding ticket for Clemson Head Football Coach Dabo Swinney.

An employee warning report from the City of Pickens stated that on Sept. 14 Officer Michael Jordan McClatchy violated the city computer policy, code of ethics and general orders. It also stated he violated company policy and worked on personal matters while on duty for the city.

A traffic citation shows McClatchy stopped Swinney for driving 63 mph in a 35 mph zone on Sept. 3 along Gentry Memorial Highway near the Bi-Lo supermarket. Swinney has since paid a fine for the incident, Police Chief Rodney Gregory said.

Gregory said he learned that McClatchy contributed to a South Carolina Gamecocks blog after doing a search on Google. Gregory said McClatchy blogged that he was the ticketing officer. Gregory said McClatchy contributed to the blog on city time and using a city computer.

Gregory said that after reviewing a recording of the traffic stop, he is confident McClatchy made the right decision ticketing Swinney.

“I regret having to let him go, but the confidentiality of this department and the citizens cannot and will not be violated,” Gregory said.

Swinney wrote a letter of regret to the city and the police department for the traffic offense, Gregory said.