Infraction

That is a blatant lie by Sanchez when he says that he was not aware of the T-shirt. He was right by it for the autograph session following the scrimmage. His parents were even looking at the shirt.

Sanchez really needs to stop it with this Mexican flag garbage. It's not only offensive, it proves he's not a team player, but only about himself. His comments these past few months have all been Me, Me, Me.

Sanchez really needs to stop it with this Mexican flag garbage. It's not only offensive, it proves he's not a team player, but only about himself. His comments these past few months have all been Me, Me, Me.

Trojan in Redondo,

Do you have issues with Rey honoring his Samoan heritage with the traditional tattoos he proudly displays?

Well, I do have issues with Maualuga remaining an enrolled student at USC after his numerous physical attacks against students. He has no business being on a university campus, least of all an institution such as USC.

...because it certainly is not all about "Me, Me, Me" when someone posts messages regarding their personal opinions on people honoring a heritage not their own. I guess the first amendment only applies to message board honks.

I don't agree with the "Mexican flag garbage" reference. That is a bit over the top. If he wants to salute his heritage, I have no problem with that (so long as the coaches approve it). However, if he had more marketing savvy, his mouthpiece would have had both the Stars and Strips and Tricolors on it (i.e., one on each side).

As an example, I remember that in the May Day immigration protests, the protesters were initially hoisting only the Mexican flag. That pissed off a lot of people. It detracted from the message they were trying to convey. At subsequent celebrations, they hoisted the flags from both countries in their marches. However, by that point, it was clear that the protesters were just pandering.

By initially just wearing the Tricolors, he risked alienating a huge segment of his fan base. He is a citizen of the U.S., which affords him with the opportunity he now has. Perhaps he should have recognized that, as well.

In any event, this is a free country (Patriot Act notwithstanding). He is free to express what he wants, even if it ultimately brings more focus on himself, rather than the team. Ultimately, he is accountable to the coaches and his teammates. I am curious, however, what they thought about that mouthpiece ... support, objection, ambivalence?

By the way, El Cap was that you who was selling the T-Shirts? ;-)

I did see that shirt at the Huddle and everyone I was with got angry by it. Totally inappropriate image and message. Last I checked, this is the United States of America, not Mexico. So good to see appropriate action is being taken.

I agree that Sanchez needs to stop with all this Mexican flag crap. Where were you born? what country do you live in? Its like those people rolling around with the flags from there cars or the bumper stickers supporting there country. If your gonna support it so much, and love it, why arent ya living there? The answer is because the USA gives people more of an opportunity in life, and more freedom to live there life. Why not represent the country that you have lived in your whole life, the country that has given you and your family every opportunity in your life. I understand the heritage thing, but how about some loyalty to the country where you have kids younger than Sanchez dying for us overseas!

Hey at least he did not roll into the coliseum on a lawn mower though! Gotta give him that!

I agree that Sanchez needs to stop with all this Mexican flag crap. Where were you born? what country do you live in? Its like those people rolling around with the flags from there cars or the bumper stickers supporting there country. If your gonna support it so much, and love it, why arent ya living there? The answer is because the USA gives people more of an opportunity in life, and more freedom to live there life. Why not represent the country that you have lived in your whole life, the country that has given you and your family every opportunity in your life. I understand the heritage thing, but how about some loyalty to the country where you have kids younger than Sanchez dying for us overseas!

Hey at least he did not roll into the coliseum on a lawn mower though! Gotta give him that!

Nah, really? More opportunity in life and freedom to live their life? That's brilliant! The last thing we need is someone misrepresenting their country by paying homage to their heritage. He's lost his loyalty...my guess is he's looking for enough support to take back California and give it back to it's rightful owner...Mejico...lol...what a moron. Put your inferiority complex aside and accept that he's better looking than you and your girl secretly fantasizes about him.

I agree that Sanchez needs to stop with all this Mexican flag crap. Where were you born? what country do you live in? Its like those people rolling around with the flags from there cars or the bumper stickers supporting there country. If your gonna support it so much, and love it, why arent ya living there? The answer is because the USA gives people more of an opportunity in life, and more freedom to live there life. Why not represent the country that you have lived in your whole life, the country that has given you and your family every opportunity in your life. I understand the heritage thing, but how about some loyalty to the country where you have kids younger than Sanchez dying for us overseas!

Hey at least he did not roll into the coliseum on a lawn mower though! Gotta give him that!

inferiority complex huh? Pretty sure were talking about a kid who maybe has vacationed in mexico with his family. His dad is an orange county firefighter, and im pretty sure he was not even born in mexico. Im part German, I guess I should go running around praising Germany. And maybe I should go around saying the world would of been better if they could of won world war 2. What a joke. Im from America, born and raised. I support this country and all the people who died for it! I dont run around with german flags and stuff, and the reason is because I am an American! Time for people living here to start showing respect for this country, not the one that could give a rats ass who you are.

Oh and sorry for any comments about the double postings in tha past. Scott can we get a decent message board that will just work correctly, and not double and triple post everything!

inferiority complex huh? Pretty sure were talking about a kid who maybe has vacationed in mexico with his family. His dad is an orange county firefighter, and im pretty sure he was not even born in mexico. Im part German, I guess I should go running around praising Germany. And maybe I should go around saying the world would of been better if they could of won world war 2. What a joke. Im from America, born and raised. I support this country and all the people who died for it! I dont run around with german flags and stuff, and the reason is because I am an American! Time for people living here to start showing respect for this country, not the one that could give a rats ass who you are.

Oh and sorry for any comments about the double postings in tha past. Scott can we get a decent message board that will just work correctly, and not double and triple post everything!

inferiority complex huh? Pretty sure were talking about a kid who maybe has vacationed in mexico with his family. His dad is an orange county firefighter, and im pretty sure he was not even born in mexico. Im part German, I guess I should go running around praising Germany. And maybe I should go around saying the world would of been better if they could of won world war 2. What a joke. Im from America, born and raised. I support this country and all the people who died for it! I dont run around with german flags and stuff, and the reason is because I am an American! Time for people living here to start showing respect for this country, not the one that could give a rats ass who you are.

Oh and sorry for any comments about the double postings in tha past. Scott can we get a decent message board that will just work correctly, and not double and triple post everything!

I take back what I said. I just head that Sanchez won't change his last name to Smith, bleach his hair blond or wear blue-tinted contacts. How selfish of him.

LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!

To Warrior:

I don't think there is a single person in this world who thinks that Sanchez is better looking than them. He is UGLY. UGLY. Disgusting face, covered in acne, nasty hair, and has been in jail for raping a girl. Hardly a sign that he would be considered better looking than anyone now, is it?

Well put, MarciaW. Were you the one who falsely accused him after he was done with you and threw you out?

Not quite. But if you think rape is funny, then may God have mercy on your soul.

Sanchez is the identical twin of Richard Ramirez, AKA The Night Stalker. They must have been separated at birth.

...and if you think being falsely accused is funny, ditto.

LBC Tom:

That must make you Theodore Kaczynski, aka The Unabomber.

Whoever said anything about his "being falsely accused"? The LA County DA's office said that there was actual evidence, but there was "a lack of sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt" to be assured of a conviction.

"Lack of sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt" is different from "lack of evidence."

The DA did not state Sanchez was innocent. They simply stated that there was "a lack of sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt."

That's what they said, period. Get your facts straight and do not jump to false conclusions or make incorrect statements.

Hey Trojan RAB, no one is asking anyone to change there name. But why support a country you werent born in, ever lived in, or could care less to live in or help support there people. Its just like Oscar De La Hoya thinking hes a true Mexican. America is where both these guys get the opportunities to do what they love to do, but than they put Mexico up on the same level as America. Not a fair thing to do.

But as for the people calling this kid a racist or richard ramirez, you guys should rot in hell. The kid was falsely accused of rape. He has been a pretty good kid while at SC. He works hard and does not deserve those kind of comments. I go back to my comments on how great our country is. Your innocent until proven guilty!

I would not describe him as having been a good kid while at SC. Far from it. He has been handcuffed on several occasions since coming to SC and has been in a lot of trouble. One of the conditions that the university required to allow him to remain a student at SC was that he had to complete a rape awareness course.

TrojanLaw'78:

Bad argument. "Lack of sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt" does not imply he was guilty either. There obviously is evidence if two people have consensual intercourse, however the "lack of sufficient" part comes into play when it cannot be determined whether it consensual or not, thereby leaving open the possibility of rape and false accusation. Nobody knows. The point is it's as unjust to imply that he committed rape as it is to imply she falsely accused him.

booty11:

Have you ever thought it might all be in the name of capitalism and not intentional disrespect of country? Essentially, it is respect of our country by way of capitalism.

No, the DA report stated that they could verify the claims but did not have all the evidence they needed to file a felony rape charge and present it in trial with the knowledge that they could get a conviction.

I am not saying that he is guilty and I am not saying that he is innocent. I am stating that the DA did not clear him. It is right there in black and white.

If he had been cleared due to "lack of evidence," he could have gotten his legal fees returned for wrongful arrest, sued the LAPD for damaging his reputation, and filed a civil suit against the alleged victim.

But the DA stated that there was "a lack of sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt" and left the case open-ended.

It amazes me how an article reporting that an outside vendor who was clearly attempting to cash in on Sanchez's image as a Mexican American student athlete at USC has once again turned this blog into another Jerry Springer episode with people throwing insults around like ignorant fools. Sanchez has no control over some vendor attempting to cash in on his image. Though I agree that some of his actions like the Mexican flag mouthpiece was not probably the smartest thing to do with the sure controversy it was going to cause, he shouldn't be ridiculed for having pride in his heritage. I remember back in the 80's when African Americans, including athletes, were walking around with those African unity shirts or jewelery with just the image of Africa around their neck. Were people throwing insults so freely then? I guess we'll never know for sure since the internet and its blogs now have allowed ignorant people to voice their opinions behind a keyboard.

TrojanLaw'78:

So what's not to say that what could be verified was the intercourse and the lack of evidence was the "he said/she said?" Also, in light of the potential for a wrongful arrest civil suit, it seems a little self-serving by the DA to leave the case open-ended.

Join the club, TroJay21.

If Sanchez had not been so stupid in the first place as to wear a mouthpiece with a Mexican flag, which drew negative attention to himself, none of this would ever have happened and would never have been an issue. He has only himself to blame.

Join the club, TroJay21.

Because the DA's report clearly states everything, point by point, of what they verified, timeline, witnesses, etc., including how they were about to file felony rape charges, then the decision to state that there was "a lack of sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt" to file charges.

TrojanLaw'78:

Okay, I got that part, but where is the proof that it was rape. If I'm not mistaken, where the case fell apart was the timeline. He was videotaped coming out of the club at some time after the alleged time of the rape. That seems like pretty good reasonable doubt.

The timeline issue has been discussed ad nauseum. That was a mistake on an early edition of a newspaper that was corrected on later editions. No one ever denied that the woman involved was with Sanchez that night. Even Sanchez did not deny that.

The issue has never been about the time the alleged incident took place.

Yes, what Stephen says above is accurate. I cannot add more to it than that. Time of the night was not an issue and neither party denied relations took place. The Sporting News quoted an early newspaper report that also got the address for Cardinal Gardens wrong and that, too, was also corrected on a later edition.

Yeah, I think the biggest issue is the idea that any USC quarterback would ever have to rape someone.

May I remind you that Todd Marinovich, another USC quarterback, has also been arrested for rape in the past. There is precedence of USC quarterbacks in trouble for rape.

Allegations, but again, no charges.

You're right, Marinovich is a saint.

Jerramy Stevens at the University of Washington was also never charged with raping a student due to "lack of evidence":

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004147460_rbstevens270.html

Philosophy 101 = if A = B, and B = C, then A = C.

Whew, that was a lot of heat exerted over nationalism. And since I am at the bottom of the comments section I doubt if anyone will read this, so here goes: nationalism is killing the world; I hate the way sports glorifies one country over another; and there may not be time to save the planet as we know it, but each country for itself is not the way to get it done.
And do not forget, if the U.S. has a "brother" country it would be Mexico, its neighbor. Also don't forget how the U.S. got California (uuhhh...stole it from Mexico).

Lawyer John, I’ll be treating YOU to those enchiladas at El Cholo. Very nice post, even though you forgot to include AZ, NV, NM and TX. For better or worse, this colossal affair back in 1848 bonded the US and Mexico forever.
To all the haters: Wish Sanchez well; if he has a stellar year, USC may win a National Championship and he’ll be off to the NFL.

Geez, Loco, there goes my potential contingency fee of enchiladas and margaritas! ;-)

Ok booty11,

I'm guessing we're not going to see eye-to-eye on race and culture. I'm also guessing you're born and raised in American and your family has been here for a few generations, if so there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. To be fair I'm a minority who was born and raised in the United States but still have strong ties to my family's culture - so you can see why I see things from Sanchez' point of view.

So let's try and take race out of it and just say he's paying tribute to his family which people are saying is a disruption to the team. For the sake of arguement, let's say the mouthpiece can be considered an extension of the uniform, the same uniform that the team doesn't even put names on to show unity. Well, if the mouthpiece is part of the uniform then so is the tape under the player's eyes. So aren't "RIP Dad" and "BIG POP" personal family messages?

No, no, no, uscmike. I have my promise with Locoweed tatooed on my soul. The next SC national championship means we all get together (along with Locoweed's extended family of perhaps 100-members) for dinner on me. (Eeeeer... TacoBell, not Malibu's Geoffrey's).

It would be a pleasure to meet Locoweed and uscmike face-to-face. I am looking forward to the experience. And so I am taking good care of myself so I will be ALIVE when that national championship happens.

uscmike, don’t forget the divine principle that the lawyer always gets his percentage! Lawyer John knows this well; his keen legal mind would never consent to an inequitable settlement. Geoffrey’s in Malibu? Hmm… they’ll only let us Locos in there if we’re holding pitchers of ice water! Maybe Wolfie can sneak us in.

uscmike:
Do you wonder WHY I don't have any respect for you? I don't care a damn bit for your moronic A$$ low class accusation. NO, I was NOT selling the damn T-shirts. Open your fat mouth when you have prove. I have Chicano friends and because of that I don't have anything against them. Yes, I am Latino but I am NOT Mexican.
Mike do you think I am that dumb that I would do something like that to tarnish Mark's image?
Thank you

Correction:
uscmike:
Open your fat mouth when have proof(NOT prove).
Thank you

El Cap:

This is all I wrote: "By the way, El Cap was that you who was selling the T-Shirts? ;-)"

The winking icon at the end meant that it was a joke. It was never intended to be serious. The T-shirts said "Viva Sanchez." You have often included "Viva Sanchez" to conclude your remarks (e.g., when he started last year after Booty's injury, and this year when he was named the starter during spring practice). Thus, there was a logical connection to make the joke.

Your reaction was way over the top. Lighten up, and don't take everything so seriously. Do you have a sense of humor?

El Cap:

This is all I wrote: "By the way, El Cap was that you who was selling the T-Shirts? ;-)"

The winking icon at the end meant that it was a joke. It was never intended to be serious. The T-shirts said "Viva Sanchez." You have often included "Viva Sanchez" to conclude your remarks (e.g., when he started last year after Booty's injury, and this year when he was named the starter during spring practice). Thus, there was a logical connection to make the joke.

Your reaction was way over the top. Lighten up, and don't take everything so seriously. Do you have a sense of humor?