About Jill Painter

Jill Painter is a sports columnist for the Los Angeles News Group, covering everything from the Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers, USC, UCLA, Kings, golf and all human interest stories in sports.

Mike Garrett’s response

Mike Garrett, the USC athletic director, is at today’s basketball game sitting courtside. He declined to talk to reporters, who were standing a few feet away, regarding the Joe McKnight situation. Instead, he issued a statement trhough a USC spokesman, who read the statement while Garrett sat a few feet away.
“I read the letter (by Scott Schenter) and found it interesting,” Garrett said through a spokesman. “Our compliance people are handling the matter. I have nothing more to say.”

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Man with ties to McKnight SUV responds

In an email to the Daily News, Scott Schenter responded to claims that he owned the SUV that Joe McKnight is driving. A published report yesterday revealed that McKnight was driving an SUV owend by a Santa Monica man with marketing ties. McKnight’s use of the SUV would likely be considered an improper benefit by the NCAA and could result in him being declared ineligible. Pete Carroll confirmed Friday that USC is conducting an investigation.
Here’s the email he sent to the Daily News. He requested it be published in full.
Continue reading “Man with ties to McKnight SUV responds” »

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Carroll’s response to McKnight investigation

Here’s Pete Carroll’s response to the report that McKnight is under investigation for receiving an extra benefit by driving an SUV belonging to a Santa Monica businessman.
Asked if he was aware of the L.A. Times report, Carroll saidl: “I’m aware of it. I don’t know what all of its says. What I do know and what I can say is that compliance is in full review. We’ll have to wait and see what happens. I really can’t tell you anything more. I don’t know the story.”
A university spokesman said McKnight was unavailable for comment.

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USC investigating Joe McKnight’s use of car

USC coach Pete Carroll has confirmed an L.A. Times report that the school is investigating Joe McKnight for allegedly driving a sport utility vehicle owned by a Santa Monica businessman. Carroll was unsure if this would affect McKnight’s status for the bowl game.

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Gerrity eligible

USC just learned that Mike Gerrity, who transferred from Charlotte, is now eligible. He’ll start at point guard when the Trojans play No. 9 Tennessee tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. at the Galen Center. Gerrity’s addition is big for the Trojans but probably still not enough to upend Tennessee, which averages 84.2 points per game.

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Post-practice update

Taylor Mays and Shareece Wright each had interceptions … Wright was working with the first team at right cornerback. Carroll wouldn’t say if Wright would start but that he would play a lot. Wright also suffered from a leg cramp. … David Ausberry is practicing, and Carroll said he’s OK. He said he’ll play.

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Johnson here

Stafon Johnson attended practice today, much to the delight of everybody. He was working out at USC and that was filmed for an upcoming story.

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Bradford injured

Allen Bradford hobbled off the practice field and cut his practice short after what he said was a strained MCL. He said he was told there was no structural damage. He also said he will be fine to play in the Emerald Bowl.

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