Remainders

Q: When I went to the spring game, I was disappointed when they did not have the schedule posters like they always do. Then, I finally see this years as an electronic file only (weak) and it doesn't have a QB on it. It only has Rey, Cush, PT and Joe. Do you think this has anything to do with Mark not being the 100% sure starter? And having Joe instead of CJ or Stafon... because he's a prima donna?

A: They usually try to put seniors on the poster or guys who played the previous year. I'm not sure why McKnight made except they probably felt he made the most highlight plays last season.

Q: For the first 32 years of their existence, the USC Song Girls consisted of between six to eight girls each year, who were considered to be beautiful, exclusive, and the elite on campus. So what is the reason they have suddenly jumped up to 14 members this year, while the quality has gradually declined and is now at an embarrassingly low point? I can somewhat understand increasing the numbers up to maybe 10 girls, provided the same high standards as before are maintained without any loss in quality, but this is just not the case. This is an over two-fold increase in girls and a dramatic drop in physical quality. What is the reason behind the increased quantity while there has been no attempt to maintain the quality? Is it a case of getting more university funding if they have more girls?

A: I have no idea.

Q: How good are the chances that Alex Stepheson will transfer to USC? I just read your blurb about his mother saying the Trojans are still in the mix, but how good in the mix is the question? If so, is he a solid enough player to contribute right away, if given the chance by Floyd?

A: I'd say it's USC or UCLA because he wants to be close to home. I hear he is balancing issues of playing time vs. the fact UCLA is a more successful program and has a higher profile

Q: You said Art Bartner arranged to have his daughter on the Song Girl squad of the mid 1990s. What was her name and what year was she on? I'd like to see if she made the grade or was this nepotism at its worst.

A: Debbie Bartner. Circa 1985.

Q: How much validity is there to the belief that the reason the Song Girls have become so ugly this past decade is due to the pretty girls on campus viewing the Song Girls as "geeky," ridiculing grown women in their 20s waving pom-pons, so the pretty girls no longer try out for the squad? As a result, we have been left with unattractive and socially awkward girls almost exclusively comprising the Song Girls rather than the pretty and outgoing types, which was never the case in the past. Haven't the Song Girls become a source of ridicule and mockery among the pretty girls on campus and this is directly reflected in the types of girls that now tryout and comprise the squad?

A: I'd say there is still a lot of prestige around campus with being a song girl, so I'd have to respectfully disagree, though I welcome all theories.

Q: Biggest scandal of the past year - Bushgate, Pedalgate, Mexican Flag T-shirtgate, Walk-ongate, Mayogate or Song Girlgate?

A: It's been a rollercoaster year, but Song Girl-gate is pushing the envelope. A couple more weeks and I think it wins.

Q: I read where you said that the reason the athletic department has expressed opposition to criticism of the Song Girls is due to how they do not receive scholarships, whereas criticizing USC athletes is acceptable since they do receive scholarships. However, that is an incorrect assertion. Did you know that every Song Girl does get a tuition credit simply for being on the squad? It's not much, but they do get it. Also, did you know that they do get paid for private gigs, including the recent embarrassing American Idol performance, where each Song Girl who took part got paid $800 apiece? Do you also realize that a percentage of each student activity card that is sold goes to fund the Song Girls? So as long they are are being funded by the university and expected to represent students and alumni in publicly, does that not mean it is perfectly acceptable to express criticism if the Song Girls and the people in charge of them are not managing to live up to our high expectations?

A: I never said the criticism was not tolerated or tolerated due to scholarships. I actually think your questions are fair. And this blog has provided the only uncensored forum for the readers to express their opinion. Even as I right this, I was just criticized by an athletic dept. employee about this topic. But I don't believe in censorship.

Q: Are Alfred Rowe and Vincent Joseph allowed to be back after next year if they get their grades up? Has Carroll allowed them back. If he are does, will it count for scholarships.

A: It's a sticky process and there is always a possibility for a return. But it is unlikely in most cases, because the players either go elsewhere to play or they don't get their grades. Remember Troy Van Blarcom, who went to a small school in Kansas. And Michael Coleman was at JC, last I heard. I think Joseph wants to play somewhere else. Rowe wants to come back, but he and Carroll are still talking.

Q: With news of Tom Hansen announcing his retirement this week, one can say that one of the most influential/or powerful opponents of a college football playoff will soon be out of the lucrative college football business.
It may be way too early to predict how this will all translate in regards to a playoff system. However, as a college football fan, one can view this departure with some optimism that we are possibly one step closer to some sort of playoff system or compromise. I guess that all depends on if his replacement shares his identical views on the subject. Who are some possible replacements for Hansen as Pac-10 commissioner? If any potential replacements do exist at this time, what are your thoughts/or opinions on the potential replacements. Thanks!

A: It's way too early to think of replacements, but commissioners at smaller conferences will no doubt apply. Also, keep in mind that if the Pac-10 presidents oppose a playoff system, the commissioner will follow their advice.