Scarlett, Uh, Cardinal Letter

Perhaps you didn't read the entire letter, Scott, or you purposely ignored the headline: SC is returning Reggie Bush's Heisman. Offcially, SC is no longer tied with Domerville for most Heisman winners.

Yeah, I just read that and it seems like a big friggin deal. Although, just because the school returns their copy of the trophy, it doesn't necessarily mean Reggie relinquishes ownership of said trophy. I don't believe academic institutions are allowed to unilaterally decide these things. SC is simply saying they don't want to be associated with a scoundrel. I believe it's up to the Heisman trust and the Downtown Athletic Club to decide such matters as they relate to Reggie's award.

So if Reggie loses the trophy and the D.A.C. discovers that Vince Young never went to class/passed tests/wrote papers on his own (making him academically ineligible) would that mean Matt Leinart would wind up winning his second Heisman Trophy? (retroactively of course)

Basically, if you read the incoming SUC President's memo re the athletic department, it boils down to this:

1. Our collective azz is bleeding.
2. Garrett, the chump, is out.
3. Pretty boy, former SUC QB Pat Haden, is in.
4. We are hiring experts to teach us how NOT to cheat.
5. F . . . O.J. Mayo and F. . . . Reggie Bush. Take all their sh!t down before students return to school.
6. Take that Heisman that Reggie won and ship it back to the NY Athletic Club post-haste. (We won't even give it back to Reggie!)

I wonder if Reggie will STILL be cooperative with the appeal by SUC? Just wondering!

If you read the letter, sure does seem like a tacit admission of lack of institutional control . . . just sayin'

Seems more like USC is setting a very high standard, to make it virtually impossible for a capricious institution like the NCAA to ever find fault again.

And by the way, two trophies are handed out each year -- one to the player, the other to the school. Not surprising that a Bruin fan doesn't know that.

Well, Jon, Not surprising that SUC fans don't know . . .

Heisman Trust Mission Statement

The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with INTEGRITY. (Emphasis added.)

Apparently, Reggie Bush didn't know about the integrity part. Nor Pete. Nor Garrett. Nor Mayo. Nor Floyd. Etc., et al.

Wow UB, such insightful and thoughtful commentary! I'm truly impressed that your education (at UCLA possibly??) has allowed you to express your opinions so eloquently!

Paralegit John & Lifepartner Nobs...Baaaaaaaaaa, I love you guy's..Please don't run and hide...It's probably going to get a little worse (non-qualifiers exposed) before it gets better. Trojans for life or till they get disqualified (or decide to transfer)!

Thanks, No_Nuts, I thought it was a concise abstract of the Prez-elect's missive falling on his sword.

And . . .

Take down Reggie's and Mayo's shrines . . . because they cheated in direct connection with their sports, and we won't tolerate cheaters, anymore. But, OK to leave up Simpson's. He only committed double murder, but that was not related to football. We still ove that dude!

SUC (sic) in se malum est!

Ultimate Ruin (UR - a nerd) has more posts on this blog entry than the bruins will have wins by the end of the season. What's it like to suckle at the teat of your crosstown rival?

Nice try, UB. You had no idea that two trophies are given out.

Nikias didn't fall on his sword. He was swinging that thing at Garrett. Some/many say it's about time.

Integrity, Juan. It's all about integrity.

And, why would Nikazz be taking a swing at Garrett? Perhaps because under his watch the SUC athletic department had absolutely no ethical standards? Just a thought . . .

good riddance to haden. always knew he wasn't one of us. good luck to him trying to clean up that garbage dump in the hood. one less heisman statue to polish, though. touchdown jesus gets his revenge.

and teo is going to take barkley's head off.

so says the gipper, ladies.

Garet gone, and with him the tarnished Heisman of Reggy Bush!

This is almost to awesome! Am I dreaming? I can't tell -- this is just like Inception!

But if USC had any class, the Troxans would also return the Heisman that Michael "the Juice" Vick won.

Wherever Garet goes next, he should have to tell his new neighbors about all teh bad things he's done. That's what I have to do, and it sure is awkward!

StuperMex, don't care what you think. SC will still kick a$$. hahahahaha

You still have not won a whole National Championship in football.

UB, there seemed to be some confusion earlier, I was asking about your boy VB.

Did he bother applying to UCLA or did he already know he would continue to disappoint his family and not waste everyone's time gathering paperwork to prove it?

Well, osezno, at least you have it right now. VB is UB's son. However, your 4:18 comment assumes facts not in evidence.

The only fact I stated was that your boy didn't go to UCLA. That's something he's been open about before.

But just to be sure, let's start from the beginning.

Did your son apply to UCLA?

WHO is Michael "the juice" Vick anyway? And what ignorant poser made him up?

UB is just mad because the Trojans OWN the bRuins in both football AND basketball, and he knows that fucla has no sports program for the foreseeable future! Hahahaha!

@SoCalMAB, while UCLA has produced famous, inspiring student athletes like Jackie Robinson and Nelson Mandela, USC is known for famous cheatrs and criminals like Reggy Bush, Barry Bonds, and Michael "the Juice" Vick, who killed his ex-wife by sicking his pack of pit bulls on her.

Hopefully Pat Haden and new president Max Nixon can clean up USC's culture of cheating and purse-snatching.

Hey Westwood Bobby,

The facts are facts. And the fact is, Wooden was at UCLA for 15 years, from 1948-63, without winning an NCAA championship. And then from 1964-76 he won 10 titles in 12 years. What changed? Sam Gilbert's involvement changed.

Gilbert, a UCLA alum and wealthy contractor, opened his home and apparently his wallet to the Bruins, from Lew Alcindor to Lucius Allen to Bill Walton (who have all admitted it publicly). When the best Bruins left school, Gilbert represented them as an agent, which is one of the most brazen unpunished NCAA violations in college sports history: Rich booster spoils the best players on campus, then becomes their agent. And the coach didn't stop it.

Seems like you shouldn't be pointing any fingers since your beloved Woody was just as bad, if not worse.

TrojanBN, nobody cares about a bunch of stuff that you say happened at UCLA back before World War II.

If we're going to talk about that, I suppose we should talk about how the USC campus was originally built by slaves!

Hi sureshot,

Interesting, but the trophy could eventually come right back with a different name on it. That would be so poetic! I wonder if Matt would say “hay man, that’s mine!” when he visits Reggie’s home. I would love to see that!

WESTWOOD ROB,

I thought you were kidding at first, but Michael Vick never went to USC and never won the Heisman (http://www.heisman.com/index.php/heismanWinners).

Barry Bonds also never went to USC.

The "purse-snatchers" are UCLA students, not us!

Also, exactly what sport did Nelson Mandela star in???

Not sure where you get your information from. Maybe it is the UCLA library, I heard they had a few problems, but wow...

@Sy - you wanna go to the criminal stuff? here you go:

On August 23, 2001, the NCAA placed USC's athletic department on probation for two years and cut scholarships because tutors wrote papers for three athletes in the late 1990s. The events leading to the probation were before Carroll's time, but I include this for completeness sake.

In 2002, the father of USC tailback Justin Fargas invited former USC Heisman Trophy winner, and alleged double-murderer, O. J. Simpson to a team practice (he was found not guilty in his criminal trial but was later found liable in a civil trial). After the practice, Carroll allowed Simpson to come onto the field and meet the players and pose for pictures. Carroll defends himself from criticism by claiming that Simpson wasn't invited.

On July 19, 2003, USC Sophomore OT Winston Justice pleaded no contest to solicitation of a prostitute in Long Beach on June 24. Winston was put on 3 years probation and fined $300 for the offense.

On March 3, 2004, Winston Justice was arrested on suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon. On June 15, 2004, Justice pleaded no contest to exhibition of a replica firearm. Justice was sentenced to 60 days of electronic monitoring and three years' probation. Justice was also suspended for two semesters by USC's student affairs committee after his arrest.

In August 2004, USC starting tailback Hershel Dennis was at the center of a police investigation of an alleged sexual assault. According to sources, the incident took place at a party on August 16, and involved a female friend of Dennis. On August 17, Dennis was removed from practice and suspended by Carroll for "disciplinary reasons," including breaking curfew. On December 13, 2004, the LAPD announced it would not press charges.

In late March 2005, USC starting cornerback Eric Wright was arrested for investigation of sexual assault. Wright was booked on rape charges and bail was set at $100,000 according to the Sheriff's Department. Wright was held out of spring practice, and, in April 2005, the district attorney declined to press charged because of insufficient evidence. Nevertheless, on June 2, 2005, Wright left USC amid possible disciplinary action. On August 25, Wright was suspended by three semesters by USC's student affairs committee, based upon the district attorney's office having found 136 pills of the drug Ecstasy in Wright's room at an apartment he shared with another player.

In early April 2005, USC tight end Dominique Bird fractured his jaw during an alleged altercation with receiver Steve Smith. Bird, Smith and Carroll reportedly refused to comment on the incident, and no disciplinary action was taken.

In August 2005, USC defensive end Frostee Rucker allegedly got into a fight with his girlfriend at a party he was hosting in Los Angeles . In June 2006, Rucker was charged with two misdemeanor counts of spousal battery and two counts of vandalism and was scheduled to be arraigned on August 11, 2006. Despite the incident, Rucker did not face any discipline from USC, and didn't miss a game. Prior to transferring to USC, in April of 2002, Rucker was charged in Colorado with sexual assault and indecent exposure. Rucker reportedly eventually accepted a one-year deferred sentence on a misdemeanor harassment charge. Developing.

On August 13, 2005, 10 veteran USC players were involved in a hazing incident where they shaved the head of freshman quarterback Mark Sanchez. Also, what started out as a water fight between USC players, escalated into an all-out brawl as it spiraled out of control. Reportedly, there was significant damage to the players dorms as players were thrown through walls.

On October 31, 2005, USC tailback LenDale White plays a macabre prank by pretending to quit the team and throwing a dummy off a building on Child's Way. Separately, Pete Carroll apologized to Washington State coach Bill Doba for USC players pushing and bumping Doba while trying to get to the locker room during halftime of their game.

On November 2, 2005, USC linebacker Rey Maualuga was arrested for investigation of misdemeanor battery after punching a man at an off-campus Halloween party (twice, without provocation). A witness at the scene reportedly quoted Maualuga as stating "I own the police." Carroll took no disciplinary action, and Maualuga played the following weekend against Stanford. One USC pundit observed at the time that "discipline is Coach Carroll's number one weakness." On November 22, 2005, the city attorney's office declined to file charges. Maualuga was defended at the court hearing by controversial and well-connected USC alumni attorney Carmen "Nooch" Trutanich, who has a long history with USC and previously represented both Wright and Dennis.

On December 21, 2005, USC starting quarterback Matt Leinart had his eligibility temporarily revoked after appearing in a promotional segment on ESPN earlier that month, a violation of an NCAA rule. Leinart was reinstated shortly thereafter. One observer claims the NCAA was just concerned about money.
On January 1, 2006, reporters from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and CBS Sportline reportedly told the USC football team about potential recruiting violations stemming from visits by USC recruits to Papadakis Taverna, a Greek restaurant owned by former USC linebacker John Papadakis.

On January 21, 2006, USC quarterback Matt Leinart was cited by the Pac-10 for working out with his own coach using school facilities. According to the NCAA, a student athlete cannot utilize the school's facilities to work out with a coach, unless the coach is affiliated with the university.

On April 21, 2006, the family of USC running back Reggie Bush was implicated by numerous separate media reports as having lived in a house purchased by a San Diego-area man with ties to a sports agent and a tribal casino. Both the Pac-10 and the NCAA have launched an investigation into potential NCAA violations in connnection with this matter, which is pending. More recent reports in this fast evolving story are here, here, and here. Yahoo Sports, which is responsible for much of the investigative reporting on this issue, has set up a page dedicated to its eight-month probe here.

On April 26, 2006, USC quarterback Mark Sanchez was arrested for investigation of sexually assaulting a female student earlier that same day. Sanchez was released upon posting $200,000 bail, and has been ordered to appear in court on May 17, 2006. Sanchez was also placed on "interim suspension" by USC while the case is pending. On June 2, 2006, the LA District Attorney announced that it would not be bring charges against Sanchez due to insufficient evidence.

On April 30, 2006, it was reported that USC compliance officials were investigating whether an NCAA rule was violated because receiver Dwayne Jarrett failed to pay approximately $10,000 for his half of the rent for an upscale apartment he shared with former quarterback Matt Leinart. USC claims that no rules were violated, though it has been reported that Jarret may have to sit out a portion of next season. Developing.

In August of 2006, USC defensive back Brandon Ting quit the football team after testing postive for steroid use. His twin brother, Ryan, also a defensive back on the USC football team, quit the team just days later, claiming that he wanted to concentrate on preparing for medical school, and was never tested. Interestingly, Arthur Ting, father of the twins, is a Bay Area orthopedic surgeon who has reportedly appeared as a witness before a grand jury considering possible perjury charges against baseball's Barry Bonds, one of Arthur's clients. This incident finally triggered some real interest by the LA Times.

On December 4, 2006, former USC stand-out, and current Rams rookie, tight end Dominique Byrd was arrested for allegedly hitting a bar patron in the face with a drinking glass. Byrd was charged with second- and third-degree assault and armed criminal action. He was released shortly after posting a $25,000 bond. Developing.

In January 2007, a federal investigation into extortion claims by former USC running back Reggie Bush and his family revealed the existence of taped converstations that could confirm Bush took cash and gifts while he was playing football for USC. It was also reported that nearly $280,000 in cash, rent and gifts were allegedly given to Bush and his family. The information came to light following the issuance of grand jury subpoenas to multiple witness by the U.S. District Attorney's office in San Diego . Both the NCAA and Pac-10 continue to investigate. Also, more recent articles suggest that Reggie Bush was involved earlier and more deeply than previously reported in efforts to create the sports marketing agency at the center of the continuing controversy. The investigation has, to date, yielded no definitive proof that USC officials had knowledge of Bush's misconduct, though Bush was nevertheless asked not to attend the Trojans' Rose Bowl matchup against Michigan on New Year's Day. Developing.

On February 2, 2007, it was reported that a "stampede of student athletes," including three USC linemen, ex-USC receiver Keary Colbert, and members of the USC women's basketball, volleyball and water polo teams, had improperly attempted to take an academic shortcut around the university's foreign language requirement by signing up for a course at Los Angeles Trade Tech College taught by USC graduate Senora Ross, who promised to give the athletes no lower than a "B." Upon discovering the situation, USC officials disallowed the transfer of credits from Trade Tech.
On February 8, 2007, it was reported that USC football players had created and joined a racist Facebook group as a "joke." The racist Facebook group was called "White Nation," showed a graphic of a swastika and black baby in handcuffs with the caption "arrest black babies before they become criminals." The group was created by USC linebacker Clay Matthews and was joined by teammates David Buehler, Brian Cushing, Dan Deckas and Dallas Sartz. Coach Pete Carroll responded to reports of the incident by saying he had no plans to discipline the players, and USC later announced that none of the players would be punished. According to Carroll, "[i]t's not a controversy, it's a mistake."

On February 9, 2007, USC compliance officials announced they were investigating whether an NCAA violation occurred during the Trojans' pursuit of Louisiana prep star running back Joe McKnight. The investigation followed reports that McKnight had told reporters that USC coach Pete Carroll had set up a conference call so he and high school coach J.T. Curtis could be assured by ex-Trojan running back Reggie Bush that USC would not be punished for a separate NCAA investigation into improper benefits allegedly taken by Bush. Carroll later denied that any call took place, and Curtis said that McKnight misspoke. According to NCAA officials, if USC got Bush's help in recruiting McKnight, it would be considered a "secondary violation" of recruiting rules.

On March 9, 2007, USC basketball recruit O.J. Mayo was arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession in Huntington , West Virginia . Mayo was one of four young males found in a suspicious vehicle by a Cabell County Sheriff's drug task force unit assigned to serve a search warrant at a house nearby. The charges against Mayo were later dismissed by a magistrate judge, after the driver of the vehicle pleaded guilty to the charge. The incident followed a controversy in January following Mayo's two game suspension after receiving two technical fouls in a high school game and coming into contact with an official, as well as prior reports of two prior altercations and a suspension following an incident with a female student.

I read the letter as the President (the new one) is making USC athletics on par with USC academics now in terms of integrity. That means no more thug-life, criminal behavior and an NFL program on campus with players attending AA courses down the road where the teachers give everybody A's for showing up.

Compliance, a sage person once wrote, is like this - everybody is doing 65-70 on the freeway. Cops could pull anybody over but they don't. The guy doing 85 gets it because he stands you. You guys were driving drunk at 110 mph. You got hammered. You earned it.

I guess I'd say this - it's a painful fall but the facts are the facts. Your hero Bush is excommunicated and there is a permanent * next to everything you guys accomplished under Carroll (at least what hasn't already been vacated).

So, now the athletics will compete with honor. Good for USC.

Hi ReelBruin2,

WOW, you have WAY too much time on your hands! You really should get out more.

ReelB, LOL. I don't think ANY Trojan gives a $hit about Fucla. ROFLMAO.