Open Forum Answers, Part II

Q: In spirit of recruiting season, during your time covering USC, which one recruit was the biggest surprise when they signed with the Trojans?
A: This is one of those questions where I always think of a better answer later. So let me think about it. But I think Joe McKnight is one of the biggest surprises too, since he was in LSU's backyard.

Q: Is Omar Hunter still going to visit USC?
A: Last I heard, he was still scheduled to visit.

Q: Were you ever aware (or ever suspect) that Reggie Bush was taking a car and money, as alleged by Lloyd Lake? Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks for the forum.
A: I said last week I was aware of the car Bush drove but it was not better than other players who were less talented and drove mercedes benz's, for example. We always wonder how that happens? And we always suspect the marquee players are getting money from somebody. The hard part is proving it.

Q: There has been animosity between UCLA and USC fans going back forever but I have never sensed the animosity between the athletic departments that I have sensed over the last 4 or 5 years. The relationship between the athletic departments seems to be bordering on hostile. I can't believe anyone is so small as to ban our band and cheerleaders. Your insights oh great one on the cause of this situation.
A: The main reason for any problems is usually over money. But some people in the athletic dept. believe relations are actually quite good between the schools. I think it's safe to say UCLA is not going to be too generous if USC tries to play in the Rose Bowl, so don't bet on great relations. I think the sports programs definitely have animosity lately, especially football. Back to the athletic dept., the banning of the song girls and band served two things dear to UCLA: It allowed them to make a few extra bucks (allegedly) and it kept USC's band out of the building, a major source of irritation in Westwood. The band is not even allowed at an outdoor venue like Drake Stadium. It's really petty. I don't think USC really cares either, because it knows it can sell seats at the Galen Center where UCLA's band used to sit.

Q: How good is Matt Barkley? What are your thoughts/feelings about PeteCarroll.com and the USCripsit blog?
A: Remember the one-question rule. I think everyone wants to know about Barkley, so I'll answer both. Barkley is farther along mentally and physically than many, many quarterbacks who have gone on to greatness at USC. He's got a better handle on the game than Carson Palmer at the same age and is more physically talented than Matt Leinart at that age. I'm not saying he's better than either of those Heisman Trophy winners, but he is extremely accomplished for his age. USC basically stopped recruiting quarterbacks who were juniors or seniors to ensure Barkley did not go elsewhere.
As for Pete Carroll's website, I'm not big on the money-making aspect of it, especially charging membership fees to USC students who idolize him. I think it's nice that the ripsit web site offers videos showing Carroll during the day, etc., even if it is a little too sugary in its coverage. But as someone who works in the football program said, ``it's a cheerleader site, even we don't really take it seriously.''

Q: Are you able to say which currently enrolled football players are on academic probation? If not, I totally understand.
A: There are different forms of probation at USC, such as ``probation I'' and ``probation II.'' The latter is more serious. Usually, in spring practice, I write about guys who might be in trouble as the semester draws to a close. I don't really like mentioning the players unless it's serious because many often recover academically as the semester progresses. You wouldn't believe the number of times people say a player is finished and then he stages a comeback and remains eligible.