Reports (see AP story embedded below) indicate USC faces severe NCAA sanctions. According to the AP, “The Los Angeles Times reported the NCAA sanctions include the loss of more than 20 scholarships. According to a story posted on ESPN.com on Wednesday night, the Trojans also will forfeit wins ‘from at least the 2004 season.’”

These severe sanctions might have been less severe if not for USC’s arrogance. What arrogance? Hiring Lane Kiffin.

USC’s hire of Lane Kiffin was the worst thing the school could have done with looming NCAA issues. With the NCAA reportedly “inquiring widely into Tennessee recruiting” back in December, the Volunteers were about to become the NCAA example of recruiting run amok. However, Kiffin fled Rocky Top, and you can bet the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions took note of Kiffin’s reckless disregard of NCAA rules during his brief Tennessee tenure.

Kiffin didn’t believe secondary violations had consequences. Maybe they don’t. However, if you have a reputation as a scofflaw, that does have consequences. USC knew of Kiffin’s reputation, but ignored the consequences. Judging by past experience, the NCAA doesn’t like arrogance. Just ask Alabama.

7 thoughts on “Arrogance landed USC in deeper trouble”

  1. Well that would put Bama back in a tie with them for most bowl games and during the next 2 years we will get a 2 game lead. RTR! That makes Oklahoma the ’04 national champion. Bwaa Haww Haww!

  2. Not to mention, Kiffin was on the USC staff and was the offensive coordinator while Reggie Bush was there. You saw what a pass Miss. State got from the NCAA by hiring a minority and a class act like Sly Croom. Kiffin was absolutely the dumbest hire in the history of college football. (ok, maybe at least AS dumb as Curry, Dubose, Price, and Shula.)

  3. I guess UCLA will get good all of a sudden in the next few years, since USC is basically getting the same punishment Alabama got earlier in the decade.

  4. Doubt it…USC actually has a recruter staff, and in my opiinion a better coaching staff than they had…

  5. They had been bullet-proof for so long with the NCAA, why WOULDN’T they think they could do whatever they wanted?

  6. Opps. My error. They had to forfit the ’04 NCG and the whole ’05 season. That’s 2 bowl games. As of yesterday Bama is back to being the all time leader in bowl games. A record that was robbed from us originally when we had to forfit the ’93 season and later barred from bowls for 2 years. One of which cost us a possible NC. And the 4th lost bowl came from the textbook bullshit. Thanks SC. RTR!

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