With heralded recruit O.J. Mayo on his way, ESPN wants USC to headline an eight-team, three-game tournament in Anaheim next season. The Trojans would play the prime-time game each night. The tournament field is not set yet.

The twin towers from Stoneridge Prep — 6-10 Mamadou Diarra and 7-0 Boubacar Sylla — attended the USC-Arizona State basketball game. Diarra said in June he would come to USC but still has not officially committed. Sylla also likes USC.
There is one problem, however. Even though they are close friends, they are not expected to attend the same school.

Former USC defensive line coach Jethro Franklin was hired by the Houston Texans, a week after being fired by Tampa Bay.

USC received a scare near the end of tonight’s basketball game against Arizona State when Gabe Pruitt sprained his ankle.
Pruitt said he “tweaked” and did not think it was serious but more will be known Monday.

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Another recruiting weekend for USC, but the traditional Saturday night stop to Papadakis Taverna restaurant in San Pedro no longer is part of the official visit.
Following last years controversy right before the 2005 Rose Bowl, when a Texas newspaper wrote about a potential NCAA violation, the athletic dept. decided to no longer schedule recruiting dinners at the restaurant. No violation was reported but USC made the policy change anyways.

“He decided to stay in college and become a college head coach, USC coach Pete Carroll said. “Its in his best interest to stay in the college game. Next time around he might think differently, but right now he loves SC and wants to stay with it. It wasnt the right time to (leave).

Steve Sarkisian was offered the Raiders job and turned it down despite the club sending two reps down to convince him otherwise today.
So what happened, considering Sarkisian said recently he wanted the job. Sources said the Raiders owner Al Davis was pleased with the offensive personnel and Sarkisian wanted to make wholesale changes.
And we also hear former Raiders coach Norv Turner advised his former assistant not to take the job.

USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian claims he was never offered the Raiders job.

“I was presented with a tremendous opportunity and experience of
interviewing with Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders for their head
coach position. I thank them for their interest in me. While the
job was never offered to me, at this time in my career I’ve told them
I want to stay at USC. I strongly believe that the Raiders job is a
great opportunity for whomever their next head coach is going to be.
“My goal is to be a head football coach in college and USC is the
best place for me to attain that goal. I’m extremely fortunate to
work at such a great university for a head coach in Pete Carroll who
allows me to strive and achieve at the highest level.”

Dwayne Jarrett selects “representation,” as they say in sports these days.
Continue reading “Quick Decision” »