Round 2

Q: Do you think the local press gives Ceasar a "pass" when it comes to coverage of Trojan player off-field legal & behavior issues? The Times just ran an article grilling Neuheisel for not taking more action when he was HC at UW years ago. I don't recall PC ever getting much criticism from the press for the numerous incidents involving his players. PC does an awesome job but he should be subject to criticism when appropriate.

A: Generally, the Los Angeles media give everyone a pass compared to a lot of other cities. Why do the Clippers get away with being a mediocre organization year after year? When the Reggie Bush investigation first started, there were some things written about whether Pete Carroll lost control of the program, but it disappeared as the investigation slowed down and the 2006 season rolled around. There's been a lot of off-field issues, but as long as USC's winning, the teflon retains its non-stick coating.

Q: Why has Mitch Mustain gotten so much more coverage than Brandon Hance (who was a two year starter at Purdue) ever got when he transferred to SC? Also, could you elaborate on why Hance had such issues with Carroll and came across as being disenfranchised and even angry by his treatment at the hands of the coach?

A: Mustain was the No. 1 quarterback in the nation in high school. Hance was one of about six good Valley quarterbacks who went to a Division I school. So you can't really comparison the two of them, other than they both played as true freshman. I don't recall Hance having issues with Carroll. Perhaps you're referring to when Carroll stripped Hance of his jersey number and gave it to Whitney Lewis. Hance actually kept his cool about it. Think about that one. Hance, who does what he's told, loses his number right before the season opener against Auburn, because Carroll was worried Lewis would transfer if he did not get No. 4. So the next time you get on someone about being wrong about a player, remember Caesar and Whitney Lewis.