Sports Hub LA: "USC Deserves Some Blame"

by Ajax on May 13, 2008 1:46 PM PDT in News

Eric Patten at Sports Hub LA arrives at the obvious conclusion based on the facts that have been unveiled regarding Southern Cal's engagement of OJ Mayo's services:

But shouldn’t USC face a heap of criticism as well?

It was less than a year ago that we were excusing the university from any misconduct in the Reggie Bush-Lloyd Lake case. If Bush took money and the school didn’t know about it, how can they be punished?

However, now it appears likely that Mayo also took money while he was a student.

Once again, USC denies any wrongdoing.

But how many times, with how many high profile players, are they to be excused? The university prides itself on running pro style programs, but it’s still collegiate athletics. There are rules, and Mike Garrett and Co. should understand that if they’re going to have elite athletes on campus, they have to ramp up their compliance efforts, not shrink back to better avoid responsibility if anything should go wrong.

Plausible deniability isn’t a good defense. At least not the second time around.

For the record, the NCAA hasn't "excused" Southern Cal or Bush over that whole arrangement quite yet. I'm optimistic that we have not heard the end of Bushgate. However, Bushgate should only serve to bolster the NCAA's case against Southern Cal. Something about a complete lack of institutional control.

Stay tuned.

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Some blame? lol

Way to go out on a limb Eric. Sadly that’s the boldest take I have read from the local press.

by bluestreet on May 13, 2008 1:54 PM PDT reply actions

Infested University!

We always knew how corrupt USC (University of Shady Characters) was, but they are now have taken it to a different level, with all this dirty dealings out in the open. I guess they are not even worried about any consequences since they have routinely gotten away with all these types of illegal stuff!

by cyberdbk on May 13, 2008 2:23 PM PDT reply actions

That post on SportsHub LA is funny

Oh the innocence!

We loved the idea of a kid with Magic’s flair and LeBron’s hype coming to the Pac-10.
And if any of us thought Mayo’s negatives were an issue, USC Head Coach Tim Floyd and Mayo’s teammates insisted that they weren’t.

In March 2007, as a guest on ESPN’s "Pardon the Interruption," Floyd defended his recruit saying, "Yeah, he got in a couple of fights in high school, but I did too."

Sophomore forward Taj Gibson told ESPN, "He’s been one of the guys, hanging with all of us. He’s been a great teammate."

We believed it.

Then, Mayo took tickets to a Lakers game from his friend Carmelo Anthony, Floyd, called it "ignorance" on his own part, and said Mayo was not to blame.

When Mayo allegedly punched teammate Daniel Hackett in the jaw, Floyd and Hackett dismissed it like we’d be crazy to think otherwise. Even when the Trojans struggled on the court this year, they were routinely excused because they were compelling and young and full of what ifs? "What if Gabe Pruitt and/or Nick Young came back?" and especially, "What if O.J. likes school so much he decides to stick around?"

Now we know the answer. Stupid us. Again, even if every Mayo-related incident had some embellishment or innuendo attached, the sheer volume of problems should have been a tip. Certainly many were concerned about what would come when Mayo arrived at Troy.

Yes, stupid YOU. And just speak for yourself.

Because no one here fell for that TrOJan PR spin.

GO BRUINS.

by Nestor on May 13, 2008 6:42 PM PDT reply actions

Lack of Institutional Control

Google NCAA Institutional Control.

It is a PRO ACTIVE, “Common Sence” rule according to the NCAA. It is NOT “hear no evil, see no evil.”

After the Reggie Bush incident, the NCAA should have already placed them on probation. The Mayo incident should count for a major violation while on probation, but it won’t because the NCAA has dragged its feet on Reggie Bush, AND it’s a different sport. USC should already be on probation. Then Mayo is a major while on probation.

Furthermore, I really take issue with the different sport concept. The lack of Institutional control is at the AD level, NOT the sport level. The 2 whistle blowers know all the rumors about the guys who took money and DIDN’T get ratted out. If the NCAA really did their job, it would be a mountain of violations.

by Legal Eagle on May 15, 2008 12:07 PM PDT reply actions