Weekend Forum

Who cares if you are Public Enemy No. 1 to the advisors to the Song Girls? They are the lowest rung of the ladder at USC. The official title of the coach is "administrative assistant." Look it up. They have no power, no influence (outside of influencing the Song Girl selection process, of course), no respect from anyone, make practically no money, and they are both single mothers with questionable values and agendas. If they are getting upset that their unethical activities are being exposed, then you are clearly doing a good job. For far too long, they went publicly unquestioned, even though though there were many whispers about them privately, and they have just been too comfortable in their jobs without any fear of accountability. Let's keep this up, exposing them at every opportunity, and a change will come. If you cave in, where's the freedom of the press?

Has it ever occurred to the people on the selection committee of the Song Girls that if they were actually doing their jobs that they are paid to do, then Trojans -- whether they are alumni or students -- would not be so interested in the Oregon cheerleaders, who are obviously now the gold standard of all American cheerleaders? It seems like these people are not even attempting to address the real problem here and and are desperately trying to blame everything but the people in the mirror for the mess they themselves created.

Could you put a "Bring Back Tricia Pillsbury to USC" logo on the header of your blog and get this public campaign started?

Even if USC does lose to Oregon at the Coliseum this season, would it really matter knowing that we'll all still be cheering for the great Oregon cheerleaders? Knowing that they will be gracing the sidelines of the Coliseum with their beauty and grace, doesn't that mean we've already won?

What do you know about the reasons behind why the Daily Trojan photographer who took the infamous picture of the Song Girl (and daughter of the coach) cheering for Texas in the BCS game in 2006 was fired? Some people say it was because the administration was angry at that picture getting out and perpetuating negative stereotypes about blond Song Girls, while others say that he tried to copyright and market the picture, which was in violation of the Daily Trojan's policy that states all articles and images become the property of the newspaper.

What is the possible justification that some within the athletic department have to oppose the posting of pictures of the Oregon and UCLA cheerleaders? Do they feel that USC alumni should not be exposed to beautiful cheerleaders and then demand the same for their own alma mater?

What have you heard about the rumor going around that Lindsey Buckingham, the guitarist for Fleetwood Mac who wrote and sang "Tusk," is considering filing an injunction to prevent the Trojan Marching Band from performing his song as he is offended by the image of the Song Girls from this past decade dancing and being associated with his masterpiece?

Since some people in the USC athletic department are opposed to any mention in the drop in Song Girl quality and I assume one of them is Tim Tessalone, have you thought about asking him directly if he believes the girls on the squad are at the same standard as they were from the 1970s to the 1990s, considering he is on the selection committee? I would be curious what his ratonale is regarding the selection of the current and recent squads that he was directly responsible for selecting.

After you published the one pretty song girl of the past week, Ms. Pillsbury, I had the audacity to say she was indeed pretty but that my wife was prettier. Bloggers Pete's Illegitimate Son, DFW Trojans, and Troyjan&Tonic called me out on that one and wanted proof. I suppose you will not post personal pictures on your blog, is that correct? And if not, are the aforementioned gentlemen allowed to post their e-mail addresses on your blog so that I can show them I don't lie?

Just as UCLA banned the Song Girls from performing at Pauley Pavilion, is there any truth to the rumor that the USC athletic department will ban the Oregon cheerleaders from performing at the game in the Coliseum this year, so as not to embarrass and make the the Song Girls jealous with such beautiful, physically toned and intimidating cheerleaders?

Many schools have alumni bands that play when the actual band is away on semester breaks, so any chance we can get a Song Girls alumnae squad to perform permanently at all events in place of the current squad, so long as there is not a single member from the 2000s? Do you think we can get Tricia Pillsbury to be the captain?

First off, I'm glad this blog doesn't censor opinions just because the athletic dept. just want to protect a seemingly very corrupt program.

My question now is, has the athletic dept. actually threatened you now to take back your access due to the expose that has been happening regarding the unattractiveness of the Song Girls? Who exactly is threatening you to stop readers from posting anything negative and truthful about the unattractive Song Girls? It seems as though the athletic dept. is very much aware of the corruption that's been going on with the Song Girls and very much want this topic to disappear which makes me that much mroe suspicious. Chances are, the corruption is probably even worse that how it seems considering the high level damage control the athletic dept. seem to be employing right now.

D. Kennard really showed the talent he has at the recent camp, but Randall Carroll did not seem to impress anyone. Do you think there is a lot of "overhyping" some of these kids who are still learning to drive and do Algebra?

Do you think the latest USC player ratings for EA Sport's NCAA Football 09 are pretty accurate? Are any of them way off (ie Stanley Havili with an 81, you got to be kidding me EA!)?

Scott,

You never answered my question last forum about should Mike Garret should be fired if USC is guilty in either the Bush or Mayo Case. Also reasons for his firing if one case is true and USC is penalized are previous problems like USC players like Wright, Dennis and Justice getting in trouble with the law and besides football every other sport has struggleed to be the best like baseball.(This is for some readers who got mad at the question last time) What do you think about Mike Garret getting fired?

This forum question if you have time,

How was the rising star camp?

Is it true that some recent football signees like Nick Perry,Daniel Campbell, and Curtis McNeal are unable to qualiify for the fall and must sit out until they are able to enroll? How about the rest of the signees are they able to enter and play?

After seeing the great suggestion for the logo to bring back Tricia Pillsbury, may I humbly suggest that the person in charge of the IT for this blog put a countdown clock to October tryouts for the next Song Girl squad, so we can all go out in force and observe the sham that is the selection process for ourselves?

As it is now forbidden to use any negative adjectives about the physical appearance of the current and recent USC Song Girls, is it at least acceptable to say that the Oregon cheerleaders are beautiful and very toned young ladies who represent the all-American ideal that we should all strive for in college cheerleaders?

Scott, with all of the angst and negativity surrounding the selection process of recent USC Song Girls squads could you ask your USC contacts if they will open the song girl and spirit squad tryouts to the public?

There seems to be a lot of sentiment from Trojan alumni and die hard fans that the selection process should be more transparent and open. With the recent allegations of nepotism and other unseemly practices with regard to the Song Girls, you would think that transparency in this process would be welcomed by a fair minded institution that so vigorously solicits financial donations from alumni.

It seems to me in reading about the USC athletic department's attempt to censor the content of this blog is reminiscent of Bill Clinton's spin doctoring of the media during the "bimbo eruption" era of his Presidency. Shameful, USC. Shameful.

How come no one is talking about Taj Gibson coming back next year? I personally think he will be a top ten pick next year....

SW, sorry no song girl question here. I recently saw some tape of the 7 on 7. I know what my impressions are, but I'm wondering what you think between Sanchez, Mustain and Corp who throw the best ball (deep, short middle ball), who has the best foot work and who has the best overall mechanics? Fight On!

Sorry, I'm meant to say who "throws" the best ball (deep, short and middle ball). Sorry about the poor grammar. Fight On!

Scott, I could only contain myself for so long. I and others so appreciate the information that you bring to us about Trojan sports, especially football and basketball. But issues, like the current 'song girl' stupidity certainly seems to be a waste of your valuable time. With access to you to get information on one of the best football programs in the country, it's too bead we also have to get the ton of time wasting jerk questions week after week.

My question, it appears to me that the defense is going to be great again this year, even though there are new starters up front. But on offense, I think our success will ride on how much improvement we get out of the receiving corp. What's your take on how much we can expect the receiving corp to improve?

Fight On!

http://www.petecarroll.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/NAA/cdid/401342/pid/400025

Scott, in the above linked Nov'07 interview with SG Coach Nelson, she said in reference to PC's affect on her that he "pushes me to constantly be innovative, to create change and come up with new ideas, as well as trying to keep the tradition and pride alive.” Can you identify any ways in which the SG program has been innovative, come up with new ideas, sustained tradition and pride, or created positive change?

USC basketball staff specifically instructed Davon Jefferson to NOT hire an agent and to test the NBA waters while keeping his eligibility in tact. From what I hear academic performance/grades was not an issue. Did DJ just really dislike playing for Coach Floyd that much? Or were the whispers in his ear just too loud and convincing? If UNC can get three players back, why couldn't USC and Davon communicate and devise a better draft strategy for all parties?
Who dropped the ball here?

What is the source of the athletic dept.'s paranoia with current sorry state of the Song Girls and their aesthetically-deprived members? It seems as though there's a lot of secrecy in regards to the program and the athletic dept. seems to think it can control this website, angry alumni, dejected students, and confounded fans, by ignoring the problem. I mean what's wrong with posting pictures of Oregon and UCLA cheerleaders since they're actually hot and nice to look at. Do they think that if we don't see how good other cheer squads are, we won't know how aesthetically deprived the Song Girls are? Do they really think we are that stupid? How many threats have you received from the athletic dept.? Are they trying to intimidate you to stop reporting on the failure of the Song Girls to be attractive?

Eric Sondheimer on Upland High quarterback Josh Nunes, 6/29/08: "His decision to choose Tennessee even though he has yet to visit the campus came because he likes the competition of SEC football and was convinced he could succeed after speaking to several ex-Tennessee quarterbacks, including the Clausen brothers , Casey and Rick." What are the rules regarding "undue influence" by former players?

Scott,

With Rowe ineligle and Jordan Cameron moved to LB, what is up with the fullback depth? Please comment on whether the coaches have plans for Bradford here, or plan to use 2 TBs/or single back more, or have a confidence in Adam Goodman, etc.

Thanks.

What does a recruit do at the Rising Stars Camp? Do they run thought drills, scrimmage, interview with coaches, get timed, weighed and/or measured, is it overnight in the dorms etc.

You seem to value Beano Cook's opinion when it comes to college football, and the Song Girls.

So I ask you this, what do you think of Beano's recent comments on an espn.com podcast in which he said "Notre Dame will be at least 9-3, 10-2 in 2008"? Beano continued on by saying, "If they beat Michigan, I think they'll be 10-2. ... They're not playing with a bunch of biology students. They have material."

Beano made it seem as though Notre Dame would being coming to the Coliseum in 2008 with a one lose record. What do you think?

Our new recruit, JAMES BOYD, seems rated fairly good, but with his weight listed between 210 and 230, and his speed at 4.8, it's hard for me to see where he plays----he thinks DE or LB----if that 4.8 is accurate,
where do the coaches, and yourself, see as his best position at the college level? Thanx as always.

The following people are known to be on the selection committee for the USC Song Girls: Lori Nelson, Justine Gilman, Tim Tessalone and the Widow Bothwell. So who else, if any, also serve on the selection committee? Do you know if Eric Calhoun, the famous blind baseball fan who goes to games at Dedeaux Field, is also on the Song Girl selection committee?

http://media.www.dailytrojan.com/media/storage/paper679/news/2008/04/30/Sports/Trojan.Teams.Cheered.By.Superfan-3357729.shtml

Can you give us an update on the status of Trojan draftees and free agents at the pro camps. It is now just about July, and it is time to start hearing who has a shot at the roster and who doesn't.

Thx.